Callum Wilson keen to impress after England U21 call

The forward’s sharp eye in front of goal this campaign has seen him rewarded with a first-ever England call-up as he was selected by Gareth Southgate for the Under-21 internationals with Portugal and France this week.

"It’s a nice feeling," Wilson told TheFA.com. 

"I’m sure I’ll enjoy the experience. It’s not something that happens every day, so hopefully I’ll do well and manage to get another one."

And as Wilson meets up with the squad at St. George’s Park this afternoon, he will be reacquainted with a familiar face in Ben Gibson – a player he is glad to have on his side this week.

The pair came face-to-face in Saturday’s top-of-the-table Championship clash between Bournemouth and Gibson’s Middlesbrough and the pair had quite the contest during the 0-0 stalemate.

After a few jostles throughout the first half, Gibson was left grounded in a heap minutes before the break after a tussle with the striker. Two minutes later, after dusting himself off, the big centre back received a yellow card for a foul on the Cherries man. 

"It was very tough and he’s a good player to be fair," said Wilson of his adversary. 

"I think Boro had a bit of a game plan, when we had possession they dropped off straight away. So as I was running backwards they were too, so there wasn’t really much space – so Ben executed that plan well.

"He congratulated me after the game, and said he’ll see me on Monday. It will be nice to catch up with him and have a bit of a laugh about the game this week.

"Games like this knock your confidence a little bit when you are getting chances in front of goal and not taking them, but that’s gone now and I’ll put it behind me and move forward."

Fresh from winning October’s Player of the month after taking his goal tally to nine league goals, and with his Bournemouth side flying high in the league, Wilson has revealed his hat-trick of targets – a golden boot, promotion and a spot in Southgate’s squad for the European Championship.

"Hopefully – it’s something you aim for throughout the season," added the former Coventry City forward. "You always have a little look at what you can try and achieve throughout the season, and they are three things that are possibilities.

"I’m going in with confidence from winning the award, but I’ve got to keep my feet on the ground and keep on working, take the positives out of everything and keep taking one game at a time."

You could see Southgate's side in action on Thursday, when they entertain Portugal at Burnley FC's Turf Moor home, with tickets priced at just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Call 01282 700003 for more details, or you can pay at the gate on the evening.