Confident Callum Wilson always believed he would play for England

The Cherries star frontman will be hoping to win his second senior cap against Czech Republic on Friday at Wembley (7.45pm) or in Montenegro on Monday in Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Wilson, 27, made a sensational start for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions last November when he scored on his debut in a 3-0 friendly victory against the United States.

And the man who has netted 55 goals in 141 appearances for Cherries has no doubt he belongs on the international stage.

Asked if he always felt he would one day play for England, Wilson’s instant reply was: “Yeah, you always believe.

“As a player you have to always believe you can get there and be good enough.

“It’s the same for me. I am quite a confident person. I backed myself and my ability to get to the Premier League one day, and I did that.

“Once I was there, I knew if I maintained the form that got me there, the next step was to play in the international team.

“So, yes, I just thought to myself I must focus on Bournemouth, perform well in the Premier League against top defenders all the time. And I knew if you could do it against them then I could do it against anybody.”

Wilson does not harbour any inferiority complex competing for a starting place against the likes of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling. The former Coventry striker said: “I feel you have to have belief and confidence that you are there for a reason.

“I have tried to just be consistent and play well for Bournemouth and when it does get you into the England squad you are there for a reason.

“Players can’t walk into that squad or walk into the team as well. You have got to work hard and when you are there, you have to show you are part of the team.

“Every player wants to represent their country and being part of the England squad is a great honour. Obviously, I appreciate it a bit more because of the journey that took me to this point and representing your country is a pinnacle of any player’s career.

“It’s a great squad and everyone gets along well and, as we are of a similar age, I guess that helps because we have got more in common.”

Wilson fully appreciates it is an exciting time to be in the England squad with a Nations League semi-final coming up against Holland on June 6 in Portugal.

And the following summer, England, if they qualify for the Euro 2020 finals, would have the incentive of playing at Wembley in the semi-finals and final.

Wilson said: “What a great experience that would be to play in a semi-final and final in your own country and winning it.

“There would be no better feeling but the focus now is obviously on the Euro qualifiers and once they are out of the way it’s back to the Nations League again.

“You can only work on and focus on what’s in front of you next and qualifying for Euro 2020 is the most important thing to start.”