Joe Willock is reminded of his ambitious aims every time he takes his mobile phone out of his pocket.
The Newcastle United midfielder, a big player for Eddie Howe, has big aspirations for club and country this season.
Willock, frustrated to have missed so much football last term because of injuries, is keen to make up for lost time.
The 24-year-old – who had spells out with hamstring and Achilles injuries last season – made his first appearance since April in last night’s 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in a hot and humid Saitama, and it did not take him long to make an impact.
With just three minutes on the clock, he set up the opening goal for Alexander Isak. Willock won the ball in midfield, raced upfield and set up a goal for Jacob Murphy later in the first half.
Joe Willock returned to action in Newcastle’s pre-season friendly on Wednesday night
He missed the majority of last season through injury but is determined to make up for lost time and wants to earn a maiden England call-up
‘Great to be back, I think I’m still building, and I’ve been doing work on the training ground to get me in a place to get back on the pitch,’ said Willock, signed from Arsenal, initially on loan, in 2021.
‘I’m really grateful for the staff at Newcastle, and everyone that has helped me to get here, and hopefully now I can continue playing and go into the season strong.’
Willock’s frustrating time on the sidelines last season, when Newcastle were playing in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, has only increased his motivation for the new campaign.
And the quietly-spoken player wants to let his feet do his talking.
‘I’ve got my goals and my targets,’ said Willock. ‘It’s just about getting my head down, and trying to push on this season. It’s a big one for me, and hopefully I can show what I’m capable of.’
Willock’s aspirations for the season are on his mobile screensaver, and one of them is a senior international call-up.
The Waltham Forest-born player represented England up to Under-21 level, and he is determined to make the next step in his international career.
Asked if he had England aspirations, Willock said: ‘100%, I’ve got my screensaver on my phone as my aspirations for the season, and to play for my country is one of the biggest aspirations I have.
‘I’m taking things day by day, working hard in training, and when I get the opportunity to play by the manager I can show what I can do, and hopefully it takes care of itself.’
Willock looked sharp against Urawa Red Diamonds and is determined to kick on this season
England made the final of Euro 2024 and Willock is determined to break into the national team
Euro 2024, and England’s run to the final, further whetted Willock’s appetite for international football.
‘England’s one of the best teams in the world, so to be involved – that’s my dream,’ said Willock. ‘I’ll take it day-by-day for my club, and hopefully, one day, I’ll get the opportunity – and I’ll be very proud.’
Willock, a powerful runner from midfield capable of playing a match-winning pass, quickly took his opportunity in Saitama, where Newcastle were backed by more than 2,000 noisy fans.
‘It was a good performance,’ said Willock. ‘Every game we want to win to build up momentum towards our first game against Southampton.
‘It’s my first game since April. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, and say I’m at my best, but it’s a process, and I’ll get there. Hopefully, by the first game of the season, I’ll feel really good, and can help the team out.
‘To see the Newcastle fans in the stadium it’s been really nice to connect with them and see them.’
Willock was frustrated not to be able to help the team out last season when the club’s squad was stretched by a series of injuries and Sandro Tonali’s 10-month betting suspension as it attempted to fight on four fronts.
‘It was a season where we were back in Europe, and it was massive, so I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t play a big part in it, but that’s football,’ said Willock. ‘I’m 24, so I’m pushing on now, putting that behind me, and giving everything for the badge to help my team-mates.
‘I had a lot of times where I was in pain (last season), and I was trying to get through it, but I think I’m fully fit, and I feel really good.
‘I’m still lacking a bit of match sharpness, but I know I’ll get there, and I’m looking forward to the new season.’
Willock initially joined Newcastle on a half-season loan during Steve Bruce’s time as manager, and he has since thrived under Howe, one of the frontrunners for the England job.
Willock has hailed Eddie Howe as a ‘tremendous coach’ as he looks to push on at Newcastle
‘He’s a tremendous coach, and a tremendous human being,’ said Willock. ‘Through my injury, he’s always supported me, and you can always knock on his door.
‘He’s a wonderful guy, very honest, and he’s helped improve my game so much, so I just want to repay the faith he’s shown in me. I’m looking forward to doing that.
‘He demands a lot and to play for this badge and this massive team, you have to demand a lot from yourself individually and collectively.
‘I think it’s going to be a really good season for us, and we’re looking forward to it, feeling really fit, and hopefully we can meet our goals this season.’
What about other goals on Willock’s screensaver?
He added: ‘I can’t give them all out, I might jinx it!’