Could Danny Welbeck be on his way back to the England set-up, six years after his last cap?
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler is backing the 34-year-old to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Welbeck, who has scored five goals in his last four Premier League appearances, has not represented his country since 2018, when he was still at Arsenal.
But his recent form, work rate and influence have sparked calls for an international recall.
“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 joined Arsenal from Manchester United in 2014 for £16 million, making 126 appearances in all competitions and scoring 32 goals.
He was a key figure in Arsène Wenger’s final years, remembered for a Champions League hat-trick against Galatasaray, his winner at Old Trafford in the 2015 FA Cup quarter-final, and his role in the 2017 FA Cup win.
His Arsenal career was repeatedly disrupted by serious injuries, including major knee problems and a broken ankle in 2018 that effectively ended his time at the club. Despite that, he left as a massive fan favourite.
Now, more than six years later, his resurgence under Hürzeler has revived a career many thought was winding down. Brighton’s manager said the club’s dressing room has total faith in Welbz, describing the forward as an example of “the right character and the right personality”.
It remains to be seen if Tuchel will turn to the veteran, but if his current form continues, Welbeck will make himself impossible to ignore.