GREGOR Rioch – Callum Wilson’s former mentor – revealed how the striker had predicted his England call-up weeks before making history at Wembley.

The 26-year-old scored on his Three Lions debut against the United States on Thursday to become the first serving Cherries player to net for the national team.

Former Coventry star Wilson, who has seven goals in 14 appearances at club level this season, missed out on England squads in September and October.

But the marksman remained confident his moment would come, as former Sky Blues academy manager Rioch explained.

Rioch, who met Wilson when he was 15, told the Daily Echo: "I have kept in touch with Callum since we both left Coventry.

"The most recent message prior to this week was when James Maddison got called up. He messaged me to say, 'I bet you are so proud to see Madders in the squad', which was such a lovely text.

"I messaged back saying, 'you'll be next, keep working’. And he said, 'I will. I am getting more assists and need to add the goals but I will be next'.

"I believed him. I would never doubt it because he has such a strong will and then the call up came. He messaged me saying 'I told you'!"

Wilson was lively from the off against the United States but squandered a good chance when he failed to connect cleanly with Jesse Lingard's cross.

Moments later, the Cherries forward had strong shouts for a penalty waved away despite contact with goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

A couple of opportunities went begging either side of half-time before Wilson capped his debut with a goal in the 77th minute.

Fabian Delph sent in a teasing cross and Wilson got ahead of his marker and beat Guzan with a well-taken volley.

"He had a few chances and started ever so well," said Rioch.

"As the game went on, you were wondering whether it would happen for him but the one thing about Callum is he has a huge amount of belief in his own ability.

“He is extremely strong-minded. When he sets a target for himself, he generally achieves it."

Rioch admitted Wilson had been around the middle of the under-16 age group in Coventry’s academy in terms of ability.

And he revealed how the striker's determination and hard graft had ensured he succeeded.

"When he came back one year on the first day, I asked him if he had been away on holiday with the lads,” said Rioch.

“He said 'no, I stayed at home with my girlfriend we just had our first child. I am going to get in the first team this year, I have got to make it'. He got in the first team and never looked back.

"He has taken responsibility to achieve and that is a measure of Callum Wilson and the type of character he is – honourable, loyal and hard-working. I think the absolute world of him."