YANN Kermorgant believed Callum Wilson was destined to play for England back when the duo guided Cherries to the Premier League and insisted: "The two injuries made him even more motivated."

Frontman Wilson is in contention to feature for the Three Lions in their Nations League semi-final showdown with the Netherlands tomorrow evening (7.45pm).

The Coventry City academy graduate in November scored on his international debut against the United States before in March becoming the first Cherries player to win a cap in a competitive England fixture.

While Wilson's journey to the national side saw him overcome two serious anterior cruciate ligament injuries, former team-mate Kermorgant never doubted the prolific marksman.

Kermorgant told the Daily Echo: "It was unbelievable (to see him play for England).

"I remember the first time he got a call-up. I was really proud for him because he has been working very hard and he has not been lucky in terms of injuries but he has got the mentality to not give up.

"He worked hard and came back stronger.

"I think the two injuries made him even more motivated and it is a reward for him to get his England call-up."

Asked if he could see Wilson reaching the national side when they played together in the Championship, Kermorgant said: "Yes, he was determined, he was powerful, he was quick and I think the ambition of the manager and the team, the way they played, I was sure he could get there soon.

"The injuries delayed his progression a little bit but I was sure one day he would get the reward with the England national team."

Wilson and Kermorgant forged a deadly partnership as they helped Eddie Howe's side claim the Championship title in 2014-15.

The pair accounted for 35 of the Dorset club's 98 league goals – the former Leicester ace providing six assists for his strike partner alongside 15 goals of his own.

Discussing their time together at Vitality Stadium, Kermorgant said: "I think we were really complimentary of each other. His qualities and mine were different but both together we were really good, especially the season together in the Championship.

"He was there to score the goals and I was the link in between.

"His pace and my ability to assist him or play just in front of him was definitely a good partnership."

Harry Kane on Saturday made his return from injury in Tottenham's Champions' League final defeat against Liverpool.

The England skipper and Wilson are joined by fellow forwards Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling in Gareth Southgate's squad for the Nations League clashes in Portugal.

And Kermorgant believes the Cherries star has the ability to help the Three Lions clinch silverware.

Asked if he would back Wilson to thrive against international-level defenders, Kermorgant said: "Yes, I am sure he can compete against any player.

"When you play in the Premier League you are against the top defenders and top teams almost every weekend, which is why the Premier League is so good and successful."