Dan’s Wel up for it
United striker: I’m the man to fill Wayne’s boots
LONDON: Danny Welbeck accepts he is no Wayne Rooney yet but still believes he can be the next best thing for England at Euro 2012.
No, the 21-year-old Manchester United striker is not being cocky or presumptuous.
His confidence comes from the fact that Rooney has mentored him more than anyone else in the game and at the closest of quarters.
Side by side in the United team, regular partners in training and big buddies off the pitch.
So if anyone knows how Rooney would have played against France and Sweden in England’s Euro openers, it’s Dan the Man.
Which is maybe why new Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson picked him.
The laid-back and like able welbeck is certainly quick to pay tribute to Rooney’s unique contribution to his recent international recognition.
He revealed: “I owe Wayne a lot. He has been a terrific friend and a brilliant help to me. We have really forged a great partnership.
“And he is amazing during a game. He never stops yapping in my ear, telling me, ‘ Daniel this’ and ‘ Daniel that’.
“Wayne’s funny like that, he calls me Daniel on the pitch, even though most people call me Danny. Yet off the pitch it’s Danny or Welbz. Don’t ask me why.
“I’m so lucky he wants me to do well and is always trying to advise what’s best for me.
“You can’t buy that sort of insight. He knows what it’s like as a young player coming through in the premier League and with England.
“Most people might not see this in him but he’s a real gentleman, too. They only see him on the pitch where he’s always very passionate and a fiery character.
“But if they could meet him they’d actually find he’s a really nice man.”
Welbeck revealed he received one message of support which really stood out – from Rio Ferdinand.
The United defender was controversially left out of Hodgson’s squad for the Euro Finals.
Welbeck added: “I spoke to Rio. It was not a long conversation but he made the effort to get in touch which I think tells you all about the man.
“He was obviously gutted not to be a part of it and must have been really down. But he still took the time to contact me and say ‘ Well done’.
“I’m really disappointed for him, it’s not for me to pick the squad, though. The manager has picked his 23 players and now I can’t wait to meet up and try to stake my claim for a place in the team.”
Rooney is banned for the Group D games against the French on June 11 and then the Swedes four days later after his red card during a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in the Euro qualifiers.
But Welbeck insists he is not intimidated by the prospect of replacing Rooney in England’s attack
I’m the sort who believes if you are good enough, you are old enough. And I won’t be worried or nervous about playing for England in the Euros.
— DANNY WELBECK
– despite having just four caps under his belt.
His first chance to impress will be in the friendlies against Norway in Oslo next weekend and Belgium at Wembley on Saturday week.
Welbeck added: “It’s a massive blow that Wayne is not available for the first two games. If I’m called upon to replace him it will be a real challenge, but I’ll take it in my stride.
“When I got the text from the FA to say I was in the squad it took a while to sink in. I didn’t ring anyone right away, I just sat on my own taking it all in. But then I went home and enjoyed the moment with my family.
“In a way, it’s a natural progression for me. I’ve played for England Under-16s through to the Under-21s and now the full squad. I know some may worry that I’m only 21 but I have come up through the ranks – and I have met, and overcome, every challenge along the way.
“I was playing for England Under- 16s when I was only 14. I was only a teenager when I first broke into United’s first team and when I played in my first Cup final.
“So I have already proved I can step up and meet a challenge.
“I’m the sort who believes if you are good enough, you are old enough. And I won’t be worried or nervous about playing for England in the Euros.
“It might sound odd but I will try and treat it as just another game, like the hundreds of other games I have played.
“United’s youth-team coach Paul Mcguinness taught me that valuable lesson a long time ago.
“He was always telling me, ‘Play the game not the occasion’ and that’s been brilliant advice.
“So that’s exactly what I’ll be aiming to do for England in the Finals.”
And Daniel in the Lions’ den knows if he does succeed again, it won’t be long before he has Roo-know-who yapping in his ear once more! — The Sun, London