Danny Welbeck's remarkable season for Brighton has reignited debate about his England national team prospects. The 33-year-old striker has scored 12 league goals this campaign, his outright best single-season tally, including two against Liverpool. His clinical finishing - six goals from seven shots on target - has caught attention from former internationals.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler praised Welbeck's value beyond goals, calling him 'a great connector' who creates 'good togetherness' both on and off the pitch. Former England striker Wayne Rooney echoed this sentiment, saying Welbeck 'links the play really well' and 'certainly' deserves consideration. However, England coach Thomas Tuchel selected Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke instead.

With Harry Kane leading the line, the debate centers on who should be his deputy. Calvert-Lewin matched Welbeck's 10-goal tally before the Brighton striker's recent double, while Solanke has just three Premier League goals this season. Rooney believes Welbeck was 'very unfortunate' to miss out, calling it a close call between him and Calvert-Lewin. Despite his omission, Hurzeler trusts Tuchel will make the right decision, emphasizing Welbeck's importance 'beside the pitch' and his potential to create 'group togetherness' at a World Cup.