Danny Welbeck

Coauthored by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner

Obtained from Google search “Danny Welbeck,” labeled for noncommercial reuse

Height: 185 cm

Weight: 73 kg

Senior Experience: 2008-present

Caps: 34

Club: Arsenal (English Premier League)

Season Statistics: 3 Goals; 1 Assist; 15 Tackles

Role and Projected Tournament Outlook:

Another threat to replace the last vestige of the Golden Generation upfront, Danny Welbeck scored six goals in five appearances during the qualifying phase for Euro 2016, making him the second-highest scorer on the English national team in that span to only Wayne Rooney (UEFA, 2016). Despite carrying through much of his recent success on the national team as an unheralded figure, Welbeck could be called upon to deliver for Hodgson as a “go-to-man.” The biggest worry is that the Arsenal forward has only scored eight goals in 34 appearances for his club, which brings into question his finishing ability on the international stage. But regardless of the worries, Welbeck tallied 14 goals for the Three Lions in his first 33 caps (McNulty, “Euro,” 2015).

Another worry for Welbeck moving into this summer is his health, with concerns lingering over his current knee problem. In recent matches, many have called into question whether or not the forward can participate in a number of games in a short period of time, which would be the norm in the European championships (Fifield, 2016). But with a tireless work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work on the flanks—making him an option beside Rooney rather than as a replacement—Welbeck could become an invaluable substitution or locked-in starter if he is healthy when he arrives in France (McNulty, “Euro,” 2015).

How to cite this article: “Danny Welbeck” Written by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/english-national-team/key-substitutes/danny-welbeck/ (accessed on (date)).