North-East trio make the England Squad for the World Cup

Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson have been called up to the World Cup by Gareth Southgate. 

The Newcastle United trio become the latest footballers to be called up to represent North East clubs at the World Cup.

Newcastle’s Fabian Schär and Bruno Guimarães have also been handed call ups, while Sunderland’s Jewison Bennette has received the call from Costa Rica manager Luis Suarez.

The decision to include Wilson in the 26-man-squad was defended by England manager Gareth Southgate, saying that: “form couldn’t be more important.”

Wilson has scored six goals in 10 matches this season, netting twice against Aston Villa with Southgate watching from the stands.

North-East based reporter Dominic Scurr has given us his reaction to the surprise inclusion of Callum Wilson. He told me: “I think it’s a well deserved call-up for Callum Wilson given his form so far this season.”

“The way he bounced back from the injury set-back in August to get back in the side and make such an impact that he’s been called up for the England World Cup squad is a huge testament to his hard work, ability and mentality.”

There were a few other surprises in the England squad, with Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher being included despite only starting six games in the Premier League this season.

James Maddison was also called up by Southgate after lots of speculation over his inclusion in the days leading up to the squad announcement. The World Cup will be the 25-year-old attacking midfielder’s first major international tournament.

Southgate faced questions on his decision to leave AC Milan central defender Fikayo Tomori out of the squad: “We don’t think the young ones [centre-backs] have done quite enough to push the older ones out.” Tammy Abraham was another Serie A player left out of the 26-man-squad, with the England boss saying: “Tammy’s had a poor run of form at the wrong time at the wrong time.”