Wayne Rooney has called on England manager Thomas Tuchel to hand Brighton forward Danny Welbeck a national team recall ahead of the World Cup.
The Manchester United legend believes the veteran striker’s form and experience make him a strong candidate to support captain Harry Kane in attack.
Welbeck, born in Manchester to Ghanaian parents, has been in fine form for Brighton this season and is enjoying one of his most consistent spells in recent years.
The 34-year-old has battled through several injury setbacks during his career but appears to have rediscovered both sharpness and confidence.
Rooney said on his personal podcast that Kane should be given a rest in the next round of international fixtures to allow other forwards a chance.
“The next couple of England games, I wouldn’t even call Harry Kane up. Give him a rest,” he said.
“Let him rest and go and look at (Danny) Welbeck, or (Ollie) Watkins or Ivan Toney. Whoever it is he wants to look at, give these players the opportunity to try and play.”
The former England captain, who played alongside Welbeck at Manchester United, spoke glowingly about the Brighton striker’s professionalism and work ethic.
“I absolutely love Daniel. For some reason I always call him Daniel. On the pitch when we played next to each other I always called him Daniel.
"I love him and he’s been such a good player in the Premier League. He scores goals, he works hard, he’s having a purple patch and he’s put himself in a position where Thomas Tuchel will definitely have to look at him.”
Rooney added that Welbeck is currently the most in-form English striker behind Kane.
“I am pleased for him because he had injuries throughout his career that hampered him but he seems to be able to stay fit now and he has shown his ability and what he can do.”
Welbeck last featured for England in 2018 and has scored 16 goals in 42 international appearances.
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