Exclusive:'Wasted talent' - Michael Owen makes Danny Welbeck and Brighton claim amid England World Cup decision
Will Brighton striker Danny Welbeck be at the World Cup this summer?
Former England striker Michael Owen said Danny Welbeck “will not let anyone down” if he is selected for Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad.
Welbeck, 34, has been in fine form for Brighton this term and has 13 Premier League goals to his name.
The likes of Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin are also in contention. Watkins and Calvert-Lewin both have 14 goals in the top-flight this term and are pushing to be Harry Kane's under study this summer.
Owen - who represented England at France 1998, Japan and South Korea 2002 and Germany in 2006 - believes Welbeck is a "top" player.
I love Danny Welbeck
"I love Danny," said Owen, who is UK ambassador for the online casino comparison site Casino.org, to Sussex World.
"I played alongside him in my career. He's a great lad. Part of me always used to think that he's almost been a little bit of a wasted talent.
"Because he's so talented and it's only in recent years I think he's gained the recognition that his ability deserves. He's a top player.
"Should he go to the World Cup? He's not going to let anyone down if he's in the squad."
Owen then added: "I wouldn't be taking too many centre-forwards personally. I'd just be taking one, maybe two behind Harry Kane.
"And then I guess it's Ollie Watkins, it's Danny Welbeck, it's Calvert-Lewin. Take your pick, one or two out of those.
"I like Danny and I think he's a good player."
Thomas Tuchel is set to announce his squad tomorrow (Friday).
Welbeck deserves reward
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking ahead of Albion's final match of the season against Welbeck's former club Manchester United, said: “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.
“Let's wait until tomorrow, that 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 [against Manchester United].
"He played the most minutes ever in the Premier League, and therefore it shows that, even when you get older, you still have a chance that you can improve, that you can achieve things."