Gus Poyet: Welbeck Unlikely To Make England World Cup Squad
Gus Poyet believes time is running out for Danny Welbeck to force his way into England's 2026 World Cup squad.
The former Brighton manager knows the striker better than most, having worked with him at the Amex, and pulls no punches when assessing his chances of making the tournament this summer.
Speaking exclusively to online casinos comparison site Gambling.com, he is admiring of what Welbeck has achieved this season, but is brutally honest about the scale of the task that remains.
"It's very difficult now," Poyet says, pointing to the size and shape of Thomas Tuchel's recent England squads as the primary obstacle.
"The big squad that was in the last international break looked like the World Cup squad will come from that group."
Tuchel has been consistent in his selections, and those who were not included in that March gathering will find it hard to force their way in at this late stage with Welbeck around 6/1 with betting apps to be on the plane.
A Man In Form, But Running Out Of Time
However, Poyet refuses to entirely close the door.
"If Welbeck continues to score goals, and others who were in this recent squad get injured or don't score and aren't performing, he can make it," he reveals.
It is a conditional endorsement, but an endorsement nonetheless, and one that reflects just how well Welbeck has performed this season.
The 35-year-old has been starting the most games of his entire career, contributing 13 goals from 21 starts for the Seagulls.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has described him as maturing "like a fine wine" but Poyet is not getting carried away.
"It's doubtful now, which is a shame as he can be a good option," he says, highlighting the frustration felt by many who have watched Welbeck's late-career form go largely unrewarded at international level having received the first of his 42 caps back in 2011.
Welbeck himself acknowledged the England recall speculation back in November, saying he could not control the noise around it.
No Substitute For Kane
Poyet is equally clear-headed on the question of what role Welbeck could realistically fill in Tuchel's plans.
The debate around finding an understudy to Harry Kane is, in his view, something of a false one.
"There isn't a different replacement for Kane as he is the number one," he says.
"Ollie Watkins can come off the bench and Tuchel can play Anthony Gordon, or others in that position, but Kane is out on his own."
Tuchel underlined that point in March when he named no recognised striker against Japan, a decision that only served to highlight just how irreplaceable the Bayern Munich man is to this England side.
Poyet's assessment ultimately points to a simple truth: Welbeck's World Cup fate is largely out of his own hands.
He has done his bit. The goals have flowed, the performances have been consistent and the hunger has never dimmed.
With Dominic Solanke struggling at Tottenham and Dominic Calvert-Lewin unconvincing in his recent England appearances, the door is at least ajar.
But as Poyet knows better than most, football at this level is rarely just about merit.
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Plenty Of Competition Up Front
Even if Tuchel does decide to take a third striker, Welbeck faces a formidable queue of rivals.
Bukayo Saka and Gordon look nailed on, while Phil Foden's creativity and Watkins' pressing keep both firmly in contention.
Eberechi Eze has been one of the most exciting players in the Premier League this season, and Morgan Rogers has also staked a genuine claim with his eye for goal.
Meanwhile, Noni Madueke, Jarrod Bowen and Calvert-Lewin all offer Tuchel something different too.
Wondering who is in contention for England's 2026 World Cup squad?
We have assessed the latest odds from the best betting sites to give you a full breakdown of who is likely to be on the plane to North America this summer.
Do you think Danny Welbeck should make England's World Cup squad? Let us know in the comments below.
