Wilson: Cook’s only just getting started at Bournemouth

Given England’s defensive frailty against Slovenia on Tuesday, calls for Steve Cook to receive a serious look-in suddenly do not seem so far-fetched.

And his Bournemouth teammate Callum Wilson admits is a fully paid-up member of the defender’s fan club after watching him up close over the last two years.

Cook, 25, made it 200 Cherries appearances and counting on Saturday having made the journey from League One to the Premier League on the south coast.

(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

The centre-back also has an eye for goal – having scored 13 times over the last three seasons – and Wilson is in no doubt how integral he is to the Cherries’ set-up.

“He’s been massive for us,” said the striker. “Since I joined he’s been at the heart of the defence, previously with Tommy (Elphick) and now with Franno (Simon Francis).

“It feels like he’s been an ever-present in the starting line-up over the last few years, so it’s a great achievement.

“He’s a great lad off the pitch, too. He’s always got something to say for himself. Hopefully there are many more appearances to come from him in an AFC Bournemouth shirt.”