Danny Welbeck backed for shock England recall after stunning form

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is convinced that striker Danny Welbeck is good enough to play for England. The Seagulls forward, 34, has received the backing of his team-mates to make it into Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad .

The former Manchester United and Arsenal ace has not earned an international cap since the 2018 World Cup in Russia , where he came off the bench in England's final group match against Belgium . Despite that seven-year gap, steam is building behind the veteran becoming a contender for a call-up.

Welbeck bagged his fifth Premier League goal of the season with a c urling free-kick against Manchester United last Saturday, a week on from recording a brace against Newcastle . The international hopeful has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign and is the highest-scoring Englishman in the top flight, ahead of Jaiden Anthony, 4, and Jarrod Bowen , 3.

The sharpshooter's form has even got Hurzeler asking his squad whether they reckon Welbeck has a chance ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Tuchel's side have already qualified and now the German coach's preparations for the United States begin in earnest.

Hurzeler said: “I asked a question to the squad, if they think Danny Welbeck can play for England and they all agreed.

“So that was the only time we mentioned it and let's see what happens.

Offering his own thoughts, Hurzeler said: “I think, yes. I'm very convinced from my players and I have the big belief that Danny Welbeck is able to play for England. But I always try to emphasise that England has a great coach and he can will make the right decisions.”

Hurzeler also had some positive words to share on attacker Georginio Rutter. The Brighton star will face former side Leeds this weekend after the Seagulls paid £40million for his services in 2024.

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"He has improved but I see more potential in him," said Hurzeler/"He is capable of doing more decision-making actions on the pitch.

"What I mean with that is not scoring goals, it is being more present, staying alive all the time, being a good hard-worker against the ball. Overall, I think we all agree he made really good development so far.

"He is a game-changer on the pitch and off the pitch by his behaviour, by his positivity. He is a big win for us and hopefully he stays with us for a long time."

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