Callum Wilson hailed the timing of his return to form with Newcastle as he flew out with England for the World Cup following his first call-up in three years.

The 30-year-old earned something of a surprise recall for Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad, beating the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham for a spot in the 26-man group.

Wilson has hit six goals in 11 Premier League starts for Newcastle this season, with Eddie Howe’s Magpies sitting third in the table heading into the break for the first winter World Cup.

Asked about his first England involvement since November 2019, he replied: “Life is all about timing.

“I have had three years away…now going into the World Cup there’s great opportunities there in front of us as players to go and make history. For us, that’s the drive and motivation.

“I was over the moon, you work as a footballer to get opportunities like this. It’s one that you’ll grasp with both hands.”

Wilson is now aiming to create the kinds of memories for England fans that he himself enjoyed on his journey to representing his country.

“It’s massive,” he told ‘The Lions’ Den’ on England’s YouTube channel when asked about the importance of fan support.

“For us as players, we were once those people supporting the England team from afar – social clubs, street parties, flags out, they’re the memories.

“Unfortunately we won’t be a part of them but hopefully we’ll be creating them.”

Wilson is likely to be an understudy to captain Harry Kane as England’s main striking option, with Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford also in the reckoning.

Only Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Jordan Henderson are older than Wilson among Southgate’s ranks as he looks to add to his one goal from his four senior caps to date.