Danny Welbeck's Remarkable Return to England National Team Consideration
Danny Welbeck has not donned an England jersey since September 2018. Now, seven years later, he is enjoying a remarkable resurgence and may be on the verge of an unexpected international comeback.
Welbeck scored a close-range goal in Brighton's 3-0 victory over Leeds on Saturday, marking his sixth goal in just ten Premier League appearances this season. He currently stands as the most prolific English scorer in the league.
The 34-year-old has found the net in his last three league matches, achieving the longest scoring streak of his career, which spans 17 different Premier League seasons.
On Friday, Thomas Tuchel will announce the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, and the German manager is known for selecting players based on their current form.
Welbeck, who will turn 35 before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in June, has every reason to feel optimistic about adding to his 42 caps and 16 international goals, though he has remained reserved on the subject.
"I’m feeling good," Welbeck stated during an appearance on the BBC’s Final Score program on Saturday. "I’ve been scoring more goals than I have in the past. Previously, I’ve had better performances without finding the net. I feel fit and strong, and I can only focus on what I can control; the rest will take care of itself. I’m really enjoying my football and concentrating on the next match with Brighton."
This approach appears to be paying off for Welbeck. His six goals this season have come in just five league matches, making him the top scorer in the Premier League since his scoring streak began on September 27.
Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha praised Welbeck, saying, "He’s a timeless wonder. What a player! He’s scoring goals, and I believe he’s the most efficient striker out there."
With six goals from seven shots on target, Welbeck is on pace to surpass his career-high of ten goals in a single season, achieved last year.
Various strikers have played backup to Harry Kane in recent years, but none are currently enjoying the kind of exceptional form that Welbeck is displaying.
Alan Shearer commented, "If you look at the forward options in Tuchel’s last squad, there aren’t many obvious alternatives for Harry Kane. Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, and Bukayo Saka aren’t likely to step into that role, and Ollie Watkins hasn’t been performing well for Aston Villa, so any English striker scoring goals in the Premier League will be in the conversation."
Despite the fact that it has been seven years since Welbeck's last cap and he is turning 35 this month, Shearer noted that Tuchel is focused solely on the upcoming six weeks leading to the World Cup, suggesting that Welbeck could be included if he continues to score and remains injury-free.
Injuries have disrupted much of Welbeck’s career and may have hindered his ability to add to his 42 England caps. However, he now finds himself in a position to contribute goals on the pitch while providing leadership off it.
"I’m loving it here at Brighton; I feel important and integral both on and off the pitch," Welbeck added. "I enjoy my senior role. I understand how crucial it was for me as a young player to have senior figures to turn to for advice, which helped me immensely. Now, it’s come full circle; I’m here to offer guidance to younger players and assist those around me. It has been a seamless transition into this role."
Welbeck recently told BBC Radio 5 Live that "the door is always open" for him with England. He remarked, "I know that if I’m called upon, I’d love to do the job, but honestly, it’s not something I’m currently thinking about. I’m focused on Brighton, winning games, and securing points."
While Welbeck has downplayed his chances, Onuoha, who has faced Welbeck on the pitch, believes that Tuchel will take notice of his performance. "You almost speak about him as if he has never played for England before. He has experience in that role," Onuoha said. "With his current form, he knows he will be part of the conversation."
Welbeck for England? - Fan Reactions
Rob: Welbeck should definitely be in the England squad. He can still offer a lot. I’m not saying he should start, but he’s a valuable option to have.
Clive: Many people are calling for Welbeck to be included in the England squad, but only 7.4% have him in their fantasy team. They should get him in quickly.
Josh: I would choose Welbeck for England over any other English striker, aside from Kane, given his current form.
Bob: We need to focus on bringing younger strikers through, not searching for older players who are having a good season.
Harry: I think part of Welbeck’s longevity comes from the fact that he only has one focus—the league. If we were to bring him into the England squad and Brighton made it to Europe, I think he might struggle. I love the guy, but I’m not sure.
Stephen: We need to get Danny Welbeck into the World Cup squad.