Thomas Tuchel urged to recall 42 cap ‘relentless’ Premier League star to England squad who ‘fits the bill’
Thomas Tuchel will be starting to plan his England squad for next summer’s World Cup now the Three Lions have secured their place at the tournament.
England’s 5-0 win over Latvia sealed World Cup qualification with two matches to spare, with Tuchel now having matches to experiment and plan before the tournament.
Despite the attacking talent at his disposal, Tuchel is short in the striker position, with Harry Kane’s absence against Wales and Ollie Watkins’ injury during the match exposing the German’s lack of options.
Tuchel may well be looking at number nines to support and provide competition for Kane over the coming months before the tournament starts.
Danny Welbeck tipped for England recall
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck is in the top five Premier League goal scorers this season, with four goals in eight games.
Welbeck has not played for England for seven years, but the Mirror‘s John Cross, [20 October] has outlined his reasons why the 34-year-old should make the World Cup squad.
“Even at 34, Welbeck is still scoring goals, is still delivering at the top level and should be worthy of another chance for England. Welbeck has 42 caps, scored 16 goals for England and went to the 2018 World Cup when Gareth Southgate’s men reached the semi finals,” Cross stated.
“The Brighton striker has not played for England in seven years but that did not stop Tuchel giving Ruben Loftus-Cheek another chance after a similarly long absence.
“But the real key here is Welbeck’s personality and also his remarkable ability to come on and change games from the bench. Not only would Welbeck provide a back-up option to Harry Kane in the way that Ollie Watkins is more of a runner, but he could also be a super sub.
| Minutes Played | 456 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Expected Goals | 3.03 |
| Shots | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 5 |
“Welbeck provides an aerial threat and great movement and an ability to get in behind when teams are chasing games. He is also relentless when it comes to pressing.
“This is not about being a cheerleader. If you want to be part of a squad, then you have to be a team player and, being back-up to Kane, means you know you will only get limited chances.
“You have to be the right person to fit into the camp as well as being a top player in your own right. That is exactly what you need at a tournament and Welbeck fits the bill.”
Who else could Thomas Tuchel call up?
Welbeck though is not the only striker who may be eyeing up a spot in the World Cup squad.
Chelsea striker Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury early in his career at Stamford Bridge, and when the 22-year-old returns to full fitness he will want to stake a claim.
Ivan Toney has been called into an England squad under Tuchel, and the 29-year-old could return to the Premier League in January to boost his chances.
Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke has also suffered numerous injury problems in his time in north London, and will be keen for a clean bill of health to aid his slim chances.