'Not just goals, he's a great connecter' - should Welbeck be in England squad?

Welbeck's statistics this season are certainly impressive. His two goals for Brighton took his tally in the league this season to 12, his outright most in a single campaign. Indeed, it's the third time he's netted more than one goal in a league game this term, also his outright most in a season.

Key to Welbeck's scoring form this season is just how clinical he is. His first six goals of the season came from just seven shots on target and against Liverpool he had two shots on target, scoring both. But for Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler, the veteran offers much more than just the goals.

He said: "Not only scoring goals - he is in brilliant shape of course - but also being there as a team-mate, finding good connections between team-mates, creating a good togetherness. "He is a great connector, he is so valuable on and off the pitch and he can help every team in the world, including England. " Former England striker Wayne Rooney praised Welbeck's all-round play, saying: "He scores goals, he works really hard, he links the play really well.

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is enjoying an incredible season, having scored 47 goals in all competitions for the German side, and will lead the line for England in North America. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the joint top-scoring English player alongside Danny Welbeck on 10 goals before the latter got his double and he has been called up to Tuchel's squad. The Leeds striker had an impressive run of form with seven goals in six games towards the end of 2025 but went into Saturday's game against Brentford on the back of one goal in his previous eight games.