The race for England's World Cup squad is heating up, and it's not just the youngsters making headlines! Two seasoned Premier League strikers are making a surprising push for a comeback.
England's manager, Thomas Tuchel, might be facing a pleasant dilemma as Danny Welbeck and Callum Wilson, both in their 30s, are making strong cases to be considered for the 2026 World Cup squad. These veterans are proving age is just a number and are knocking on Tuchel's door with impressive performances.
But here's where it gets interesting:
Welbeck, who is set to celebrate his 35th birthday, has been in red-hot form for Brighton, scoring seven league goals in as many matches, including a crucial one in their recent 2-1 comeback win over Brentford. This resurgence is remarkable, especially after a career plagued by injuries, with his last England appearance in 2018.
And Wilson, 33, is not far behind. He recently scored a brace for West Ham in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, taking his season tally to four goals. This follows his impressive start to the 2022-23 season, where he scored six goals in 10 league games, earning him a spot in the 2022 World Cup squad.
Former England goalkeeper Rob Green has endorsed Wilson's return, praising his clinical finishing. Green believes Wilson's form could see him start regularly for West Ham and potentially solve England's number nine dilemma.
Wilson's move to West Ham has been a smart one, rejecting offers from Saudi Arabia. He's now a key part of West Ham's fight to escape the relegation zone, starting three consecutive games and contributing three crucial goals.
When asked about his England prospects, Wilson remained humble, focusing on his club form. However, he hinted at a possible return, stating that staying fit and performing well could open doors.
Welbeck, on the other hand, is enjoying a career resurgence at Brighton. His manager, Fabian Hurzeler, likened him to a fine wine, improving with age. Welbeck leads the English goal-scoring charts in the top flight this season, with seven goals, and his experience could be invaluable.
Despite their age, both players are making strong cases for inclusion. And this is the part most people miss: their experience and current form could provide a unique blend of talent and leadership for England's World Cup campaign.
Tuchel has indicated he will reach out to all players on England's long list, and Welbeck and Wilson will be hoping their recent performances have caught his eye. Will Tuchel take a chance on these veterans? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: they are giving him a selection headache in the best possible way!
