Newcastle United and England forward Callum Wilson admits he is not ‘deluded’ when it comes to his role in his country’s World Cup squad.
Wilson is heading to Qatar with Gareth Southgate and the rest of the squad, hoping to get as much game time as possible.
However, he is well aware that his role is as understudy to captain and main striker Harry Kane.
Wilson told the BBC’s Footballer’s Football Podcast: “First and foremost, I was focusing on Newcastle to get myself into the squad. I know Harry is an unbelievable player, he’s the captain as well and he’s going to be the first-choice on most people’s teamsheets.
“I know my role, I’m not deluded enough to think I’m going to go to the World Cup and I’m going to be competing and playing every game. Tournament football is obviously different to league football, you’re going to have to manage the load, you’re going to have to see games out in a different style.
“I feel there will be an opportunity there, and when it comes I’ll be ready to take it with both hands. For me, it’s not just the on the pitch attributes I bring, I feel I can bring things off the pitch as well.
“I’m 30, I’m mature, I’m a leader, I’ll be in training pushing people and just trying to be part of it and enjoy it by taking it all in. It’s an experience that I’ve not had before, but one I’ll take in my stride.
“Nothing ever fazes me as a professional and a person, this is just another string to the bow. To say I’ve done it, I’ve achieved it, and I’d like to come back with a goal to my name. That would be the ultimate pinnacle of my footballing career.”
