Thomas Tuchel is set to announce his first England squad, and former footballer Ally McCoist believes Brighton’s Danny Welbeck deserves a surprise recall. With World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia approaching, Tuchel will soon confirm his squad, and speculation is growing over his potential selections.
The German coach, who previously managed Chelsea and PSG, took over as England boss in October after Gareth Southgate’s resignation following Euro 2024. Young talents like Ethan Nwaneri, Liam Delap, and Morgan Rogers are in contention, but McCoist has also suggested bringing back the experienced Welbeck.
The 34-year-old forward, who has 42 England caps and played in three major tournaments, is enjoying a strong season at Brighton. McCoist argued that while Welbeck wouldn’t start as England’s primary striker, his experience and ability to impact games off the bench could be invaluable.
Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist highlighted Welbeck’s recent performances, pointing out his well-taken goals in Brighton’s matches against Newcastle and Bournemouth. He insisted that having a proven goalscorer available as a substitute could be crucial for England in tight situations.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney also praised Welbeck’s abilities, saying he still wishes the forward was at Old Trafford. Rooney noted that Welbeck has always been a great teammate and, despite early career injuries, is now thriving at Brighton.
Tuchel’s England tenure begins with the challenge of building on Southgate’s success, aiming to win a major trophy for the first time since 1966. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, his squad selections will be crucial in shaping England’s future.