Welbeck Named in England Provisional World Cup Squad at 35 After 6-Year Absence

AAS Editorial Team

Welbeck Named in England Provisional World Cup Squad at 35 After 6-Year Absence

Could Danny Welbeck be in line for a sensational England return? BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel reports the 35-year-old Brighton forward has been named in Thomas Tuchel's 55-man provisional squad for next month's FIFA World Cup.

The squad must be cut down to 26 players before June 1 with England aiming to release their final team by May 22.

Why Welbeck Is in Contention

Welbeck has been capped 42 times by England but has not suited up for the national team since 2018. His inclusion is well deserved—no English-born player has more than the Manchester native's 13 Premier League goals this season.

Welbeck has hit back-to-back seasons with double-digit goals for the first time in his 17-year Premier League career.

England Tournament History

Welbeck has appeared at three major tournaments for England—Euro 2012 and the World Cups in 2014 and 2018. He has scored 16 goals in an England shirt.

Other Forwards in Contention

England could take as many as seven forwards with them to North America. Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon of Newcastle and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka are virtual locks for the team.

Other players in consideration include Manchester City's Phil Foden, Cole Palmer of Chelsea, Arsenal's Eberechi Eze, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United, currently on loan with Barcelona.

World Cup Group Details

The Three Lions will be part of Group L along with Croatia, Ghana and Panama. England's first match is set for June 17 against Croatia at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

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