Callum Wilson says hunger got him from non-league football to the England squad.
The Bournemouth striker, 26, has been called-up by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming friendly against USA and the Uefa Nations League tie against Croatia.
Wilson has scored 50 goals in 128 games for Bournemouth, establishing himself as one of the most lethal finishers in the Premier League in recent seasons.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Wilson spoke about how, while at Coventry in 2012, he played three games on loan in the Conference for Tamworth, scoring a solitary goal.
“It was a bit surreal and put football into perspective,” said Wilson.
“You turn up for a team like that [Tamworth] and players are coming in in their work overalls and work vans, coming from a painting job that they had just finished.
“It showed me that I did not want to be at that level throughout my career. I wanted to make more of myself.
“It gave me the hunger and desire to impress my club manager at the time and then eventually go back to my home club and play.”
Callum Wilson is the first English player to be directly involved in 10+ goals in the Premier League this season.
⚽️ 6 goals
️ 4 assists
You watching, Gareth? pic.twitter.com/w9f4YLgGeE
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 3, 2018
Wilson then elaborated on the multiple injuries he has sustained during his spell at Bournemouth, saying: “When I first did my anterior cruciate ligament, Alan Shearer texted me – a legend – so to receive a text from him, I was in shock at the time.
“Before the injury, he gave me a bit of stick on Match of the Day for missing a few chances but that is what he is there for and he has been very supportive.
“He congratulated me, wished me well and told me not to score too many against Newcastle, which unfortunately I did.”
READ MORE: Wilson gets first England call-up: Winners & losers of the latest major international squads
During the rehabilitation of his second knee injury, Wilson managed to recover with the help of reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles.
“When I had my second injury, he [Knowles] was the guy I went to to get me back into the running phase. We did a lot of sprint work and spent two weeks with him.
“I actually missed the birth of my second child being out there, so that shows the sacrifices I made to get to this point.”
England play USA on Thursday night at Wembley.
The post Hunger got me from non-league to the England squad, says Callum Wilson appeared first on Squawka News.
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