Danny Welbeck: Does in-form Brighton striker deserve England recall?
With six goals from seven shots on target, Welbeck is on track to surpass his career-best 10 senior goals from last season.
Many different strikers have played second fiddle to Harry Kane in recent years, but none are currently enjoying the purple patch Welbeck is experiencing.
“If you look at the forward options in Tuchel’s final squad, there aren’t many obvious alternatives to Harry Kane,” Alan Shearer told BBC Sport.
“Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Bukayo Saka won’t fill that role and Ollie Watkins isn’t firing for Aston Villa, so any England striker who scores a goal in the Premier League will be talked about.
“It’s been seven years since Welbeck’s last game and he’s 35 this month but Tuchel isn’t worried about the future. His sole focus is the six weeks of the World Cup, so if he keeps scoring goals and staying injury-free there’s no reason why Welbeck shouldn’t be involved in this game.”
Injuries disrupted much of Welbeck’s career and arguably prevented him from adding to his 42 England caps, but he now finds himself in the useful position of being able to score goals on the field and lead off it.
“I love being at Brighton, I have played a very important and integral role on and off the field,” Welbeck added.
“I’m enjoying the senior role too, I know how important it is for me as a junior to have senior members you can talk to, come to for advice, it’s helped me a lot.
“It’s come full circle now; I’m there to advise young people and help those around me. The transition into this role has been pretty seamless.”
Welbeck recently told BBC Radio 5 Live that “the door is always open” with England.
He added: “I know I’d love to do the job if I’m called up but obviously it’s not on my mind at the moment. I’m just focused on Brighton, winning games and picking up points.”
While Welbeck downplays his chances, onuoha, who has played against Welbeck in the past, believes he knows Tuchel will be interested in him.
“You almost talk about him as if he’s never played for England before. He’s done it before,” said onuoha.
“With the profile he has, he could definitely fit Tuchel’s style. When someone is in this form, he knows he will be part of the conversation.”
