Danny Welbeck credits playing regularly for his England form.

Netting against Lithuania on Friday night, the Arsenal man became the leading scorer in qualification and with six goals already, and he is clearly benefiting from playing for a manager who trusts him after his move from Manchester United where he was deemed surplus to requirements.

“As a team, England are progressing well. We are on a good run and we just want to keep it going. As a whole squad, we are excited whenever the games come up,” Welbeck said.

“When you are playing regularly, you feel a lot sharper on the pitch. Once you play regularly, it just becomes second nature to do things on the pitch. I feel match-sharp and that is important.”

Picking up a knee injury on Friday, Welbeck has travelled back to Arsenal and will take no part in England’s friendly against Italy in Turin on Tuesday with hopes of being fit for the visit of Liverpool on Saturday.

It is not believed to be a serious injury but it is not yet clear if he will be OK to play in what is a crucial game and a chance for Arsenal to cement their top four spot this season by moving nine points clear of Liverpool with a win.