Danny Welbeck deserves a place in the England World Cup squad, according to Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hürzeler.
Welbeck also deserves to face his boyhood club Manchester United in the final Premier league match of the season at the Amex tomorrow (Sunday 24 May), Hürzeler said.
The seventh-placed Seagulls host United as they try to secure qualification for Europe while the Red Devils are already guaranteed a place in the Champions League.
Hürzeler spoke before England manager Thomas Tuchel had named his squad for World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
A growing number of people have made the case for an international recall for the veteran forward who started his career at Old Trafford.
Welbeck earned his return to contention for an England place after scoring 13 times in his most-prolific Premier League campaign yet. He was named Albion’s players’ player of the season.
Hürzeler told a press conference: “It’s a sign of his professionalism, of how hard he works, of his daily work ethic – and I’m really happy for Danny for his season.
“Let’s wait until tomorrow … hopefully he will be announced for the England squad.
“Then I think he gets the rewards he deserves because of his achievements this season and therefore hopefully he can do it another time for us on Sunday.”
Welbeck, 35, travelled with England to the 2014 and 2018 World Cups but won the last of his 42 international caps more than seven and a half years ago.
Hürzeler added: “He played the most minutes ever in the Premier League (in his career) and therefore it shows that, even when you get older, you still have a chance that you can improve, that you can achieve things.”
