Why Danny Welbeck must start for England at the World Cup

We all know that at Arsenal Danny Welbeck has usually been the third-choice striker and this season he has started often as a left-winger instead, and he has actually had his best scoring season for the Gunners since his arrival, but you could hardly call him prolific.

But his form for England has been completely different, and although Arsenal fans would not mind so much if the Gunners let him go, he would be worth a lot more if he replicated his England scoring feats at the Emirates. Robbie Fowler, who has scored a few goals in his time, thinks Welbeck should definitely start as support to Harry Kane. “Football is a science as well as an art these days, with statistics playing an ­increasingly important ­factor.” Fowler said.

“Yet, as a striker, ‘goals scored’ was the only stat that ever ­mattered to me… which is why I believe Gareth Southgate HAS to find a place for Danny ­Welbeck in his starting XI ­tomorrow night.

“You look at this England side, and they have pace, trickery on the ball, strength at the back and youth on their side. But do they have goals? For me, so much – maybe too much – falls on the shoulders of Harry Kane .

“Don’t get me wrong, they are broad shoulders. He’s scored eight goals in his last seven ­internationals, 13 in 24 ­appearances for his country. That’s the record of a true world-level player, and I can see exactly why England have to build a team around him. But so can all the other nations at the World Cup. You look at Southgate’s team over the last year, and it’s ­obvious – stop Kane, you stop England.

“And there will be plenty of ­defenders out there like Sergio Ramos who know a thing or two about stopping strikers. I’ve looked at the goals from ­England, and Jamie Vardy has done OK, considering he comes off the bench quite a lot. He can be a threat late on in matches, using his pace and ­instinct.

“Yet the stand out is Welbeck. He’s actually the top scorer in the squad, and his 16 goals in 39 ­appearances for a player who often starts out wide is­ ­seriously impressive. For me, he’s one of those players who just fits ­international ­football. I don’t think you can ignore a proven goal record at any time but with this England squad, Southgate has got to look at the data given to him by his ­backroom staff. One thing stands out like a massive ­flashing red light with a klaxon blaring – not enough goals.”

We certainly cannot ignore Welbeck’s record for England, but should he be starting ahead of Vardy? Or anyone else in fact?

Sam P

23 Comments

  1. Of course he is the top scorer, because he has more caps than the other forwards

    Despite his work rate, he shouldn’t start, because Kane, Vardy and Rashford performed better than him in this season

    But he would be useful as a plan B for set pieces, in case England fail to score in open play

    1. Welbeck starting won’t affect England so much as long as he doesn’t start as the CF but at the wings because the England team is not really that good.Their defense will be torn apart against even decent dribblers and their young players don’t score enough goals or are not very very reliable in front of goal apart from their CF’s.The only players I’m looking at are Kane and Vardy.As for the rest I’m sorry.

  2. Welbeck will NEVER start for Arsenal when we are at full strength.He is a squad player(at best). To believe he is good enough to start for his Country as Robbie Fowler states says two things to me.
    1) He is back snorting cocaine again
    or
    2)He is back snorting cocaine again

  3. Welbeck has a first touch of a baby elephant.Like everyone knows England is overrated Russians will go far in this tournament than England.

  4. Welbeck is miles from true England class. He should not be in the squad and in a better national team than the overhyped England, he would not be chosen at all.

  5. Welbeck scores for England. You can’t ignore that fact BUT I would never start him (maybe on left wing if we had injuries)

    For Arsenal Welbeck is third striker behind Aubameyang and Lacazette
    But at the moment Welbeck is 1st LW lol

  6. Perhaps Xhaka’s contract extension and Lichtsteiner recruitment are Arsenal’s methods to get Shaqiri?

    He is not quick but he would be a good investment for twelve millions and Arsenal do not have a left-footed winger like him

    1. 1) Xhaka of no use….
      2) Lichsteiner has to deal with Neymar, Coutinho, Marcelo ?
      #coyg

        1. agree. Will never understand why his signing was criticized. An aqusition that makes a lot of sense. Xhaka, just okay. Some Brazilian players were twisting and turning him, but not the first player to fall victim to that, haha.

  7. Is anybody watching Stephan Lichtsteiner. I will take the 34 year old over any right back in EPL.

  8. Welbeck just does not have the sublime touch and control that all top players need. As a person he is probably my favourite Arsenal player; as a player he is not good enough for a title challenging club. But right now we are NOT a title challenging club , so he will probably stay for the near future. But should he? I say no!

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