Fabian Hurzeler says Danny Welbeck has earned a place in England's 2026 World Cup squad after a standout Premier League season with Brighton, as Thomas Tuchel prepares to reveal a 26-player list on Friday for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Welbeck faces competition from Ollie Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for one of the centre-forward roles, yet Hurzeler believes form should decide selection after Brighton’s experienced striker reached 13 league goals, the best single-season total of Welbeck’s Premier League career.
Brighton still have a narrow route into next season's Champions League, needing a win against Manchester United on Sunday and favourable results elsewhere, including Aston Villa securing fifth place and lifting
the Europa League, to open up an additional English qualification position.
The meeting with United also carries personal significance for Welbeck. Across all domestic competitions, Welbeck has scored eight goals against the club where the forward came through the academy, more than against any other opponent in English football during a career spanning multiple teams.
If selected to face United, Welbeck will reach 400 Premier League appearances, becoming the 46th player to hit that benchmark. The 35-year-old has already featured in more league minutes this campaign than in any previous season, which Hurzeler views as evidence of continued development deep into an established career.
Our 25/26 Men's Players' Player in our 1901 inspired Albion shirt. @DannyWelbeck pic.twitter.com/aE60P68cP4Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 20, 2026
Welbeck has previous World Cup experience with England, featuring at both the 2014 and 2018 tournaments. Welbeck played three matches across those editions without scoring but offered versatility in attack and was trusted by national team coaches across two different tournament cycles.
Hurzeler underlined the importance of Welbeck's professionalism in driving this latest campaign. "I think 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," said Hurzeler. "Let's wait until Friday, when 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. "
For Hurzeler, Welbeck’s heavy involvement offers a clear message about longevity at elite level. "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. " Whether that effort results in a place on Tuchel's England list will be confirmed when the squad is published on Friday.
