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EMILE HESKEY has backed Danny Welbeck to start against Switzerland and prove his doubters wrong.
Forgotten man Welbeck came on against Spain, despite critics claiming he shouldn’t be anywhere near the England squad, and was unlucky to have a late equaliser disallowed.
Welbeck has played only 21 minutes for Arsenal this season but has 16 goals in 41 caps for his country.
That’s a better record than Heskey (left) who managed only seven in 62 for England.
The former Liverpool and Leicester striker said: “It would be great for him to start and great for him to get on the scoresheet.
“We know what he brings to the team. It would be a chance for him to show people what he’s about and that he’s still a threat. He’s probably in the same position I was. He’s criticised for being in the squad but, unlike myself, his goals record speaks for itself.
“He does all the things I did. The way he links up play, his workrate, the way he brings others into the game are all extraordinary. Gareth Southgate obviously sees something in him so why not give him a chance?”
Heskey believes Welbeck deserves credit for battling back from a series of injuries but he admits it will be hard for the former Manchester United striker to dislodge Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the Gunners team.
“It might be difficult at Arsenal, with the players they’ve got, for him to get a starting berth,” said Heskey, speaking at the launch of GOALS’ Restart Game campaign in Leicester. He’s just got to take his opportunities when they come. He’s still got a lot to offer club and country.
“Injuries hit us all and it’s so sad to see players get injured and fade away. You have to be mentally strong to come back, and he’s done that.
“It says a lot about him and his character. He’s a fighter and he won’t give up on playing for England.
Pressure
“I don’t understand why his goal was disallowed because he did nothing wrong.”
Heskey also believes Welbeck will soon come under pressure for his England place from the likes of Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge.
He said: “Other strikers will be playing more regularly. Ings and Sturridge could both come into the equation. They’ve all just got to show the manager they can offer something that no-one else can.”
Heskey, who scored in England’s famous 5-1 demoliton of Germany in Munich in 2001, also believes the current team need a reality check.
He said: “Reaching the World Cup semi-finals put us on a pedestal we were not necessarily on.
“I loved it but we’ve got to be realistic. We’re still in transition with young players coming through.
“It’s too soon to be regarded as one of the favourites for the next Euros. But in three or four years’ time we could be challenging for honours.”
GOALS’ Restart Game campaign aims to get more people active through playing five-a-side at its 46 clubs across the UK. More information at: www.goalsfootball.co.uk