Danny Welbeck is in contention for his first England call-up since leaving Arsenal, after seven years without a squad appearance for the national team.
Elliot Cook reported for Sky Sports News this week that Brighton’s Danny Welbeck is under consideration by Thomas Tuchel for a call-up to his England squad.
The report added that Tuchel has several attacking options, and he might decide to stick with the players that made England the first UEFA team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in October. But Welbeck’s name is at least in his thoughts.
Pete Hall of The i Paper confirmed that Welbeck is an option for Tuchel, with the manager weighing up whether to select him over Ollie Watkins. Watkins has one goal this season, whilst Welbeck has six in his last five Premier League appearances.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler spoke out in support of a call-up for the 34-year-old last week.
“I asked the question to the squad if they think Danny can play for England and they all agreed,” Hürzeler said.
“That was the only time we’ve mentioned it. Let’s see what happens. I have a big belief that he is able to play for England, but I always try to emphasise that England has a great coach and he will make the right decisions.”
Welbeck hasn’t played for England since September 2018, at which point he was still an Arsenal player. The striker has scored 16 goals in 42 appearances for his country, but until recently it was believed that his international career was effectively over.
This excellent run of form for Welbeck combined with a poor run for Watkins could see that change, with Tuchel’s squad to be officially confirmed on Friday.