Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Danny Welbeck can offer a lot to the England national side, if he is picked for the World Cup in Russia. The 27-year-old has endured an injury-plagued spell during his time at the Emirates, but he has found form at the right time with five goals in as many games for the Gunners.

Speaking to reporters, Wenger highlighted Welbeck’s versatility on the playing field, and feels the Englishman can present an impressive choice for Gareth Southgate, he said: “For Danny, it has been very good recently because he got games. If Danny is injury-free, he is a very good player. We spoke many times about Danny when he was regularly in the national team. He was a very good player.At the moment everybody is talking about [Harry] Kane and rightly so. But there is room for Welbeck [in the England lineup]. If you are national coach, what for me is very interesting is that he can play wide – on the right, on the left – and also central. He can play with anybody.”

Welbeck was picked in Harry Kane’s absence during the recent international break, and he earned a substitute appearance in the 1-0 friendly win over the Netherlands. Obviously, England are not blessed with many strikers with international experience within their ranks, and Welbeck could seamlessly slot into the scheme of things for the World Cup, given he has an impressive record.

Despite his injury concerns, Welbeck has managed 15 goals in just 37 caps for the nation, and it will be interesting to see whether Southgate does pick him when the Three Lions are at full strength. Welbeck would not be assured of a starting role irrespective of his selection, but he offers an additional option off the bench to strengthen the strike force. Aside from Kane, the likes of Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford are ahead of him in the pecking order for now.

Published on: Jun 10, 2018 @ 04:58