Thomas Tuchel claims Danny Welbeck was ‘close’ to securing a place in the latest England squad and insists the Brighton striker ‘is not out of the picture’ for next summer’s World Cup.

Welbeck has made an excellent start to the Premier League season with Brighton, scoring six goals in 10 appearances so far.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has scored 16 goals in 42 appearances for England but he has not featured for the Three Lions since 2018.

Harry Kane is the only recognised striker in England’s latest squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania this month with Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke both missing through injury, while Ivan Toney has not been selected.

Asked if Welbeck was considered for a return to the England squad, Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘Yes, he was close.

‘I think it’s always an option because he’s a fantastic leader in Brighton and a very special player.

‘He’s scoring regularly and, yes, he was close. He’s not out of the picture. He’s in contention.

‘We see what he can bring and it was a close one. We decided for other options.’

Speaking earlier this week, Welbeck revealed that he received a vote of confidence from Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler and his teammates about returning to the England set-up.

‘It wasn’t a big thing, it was just at the start of a meeting when we went in in the morning and he [Hurzeler] just said, ‘hands up if you think Danny can play for England’. Pretty much everybody’s hand went up,’ Welbeck said.

‘I didn’t really look, to be honest, I sit near the front so I didn’t look behind me. But it’s just noise at the moment and for me I just focus on what I can control.

‘I’m really confident in my ability that I can perform at the highest level. I’m enjoying playing here at Brighton and that’s what my focus is on. The rest of it will sort itself out.

‘I’ve had a lot of fond memories playing for England. I’ve done it since I was 15, from the youth ages. But I’ve just been focusing on myself. I’ve had a number of set-backs in that time, so I’m just happy to be competing at the highest level. For my name to be mentioned, it’s a good thing and I can only control what I can control.’

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