Robson: Welbeck wouldn't let England down
442 Staff - Tuesday 15 May 2012, 15:58
Former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson has
backed present Red Devils and Three Lions incumbent Danny Welbeck to
serve his country well should he be called upon during this summer's
European Championships.
The 21-year-old is expected to be named in Roy Hodgson's 23-man
party to board the plane to Poland and Ukraine for next month's
extravaganza in Eastern Europe.
Welbeck has won just four senior caps to date, but
could be set to lead the line in England's opening two group games
against France and Sweden, with Wayne Rooney suspended and Darren Bent
recovering from ankle ligament damage.
But despite his inexperience at full international level, Robson,
who won 90 England caps and participated at four major tournaments, is
confident the youngster would not anyone down.
"He’s a real hard worker [and] he’s worked very hard over the last
couple of years to develop his talent. He’s just started to score goals
now and that will give him great confidence," Robson told Yahoo!
"The way Danny is playing for Manchester United at the moment, he
wouldn’t let England down if Roy Hodgson does put him in the squad and
ask Danny to fill in for Wayne at this moment in time."
Welbeck's Old Trafford team-mate Paul Scholes continues to be linked
with a return to the international fold ahead of the upcoming
championships.
The 37-year-old hung up his boots 12 months ago only to perform a
U-turn in January having realised he had a mistake in retiring too
soon, and went on to 21 appearances in the second half of last season,
scoring four times as United narrowly missed out on their 20th league
title.
Scholes retired from international duty after the 2004 European Championships, and turned down Fabio
Capello's advances two years ago after the former England manager
attempted to lure the veteran pass-master to South Africa at the
eleventh hour.
However, the appointment of Scholes' friend and former United and England team-mate
Gary Neville to Hodgson's coaching staff has led to reports that the
midfielder could be tempted to return with the national side still
missing his passing prowess.
And Robson believes Scholes is still one of the most talented
players in the country in his position and would be a real asset to the
national setup.
"I don’t know what Paul Scholes has got in his mind. He retired
years ago. I don’t think it’s something which Scholes would probably
take onboard after so many years out but there is only Paul who can
answer that question," he said.
"He’s probably the most talented in terms of vision and passing the ball. Scholes has got great vision."
For more insight from Bryan Robson and other leading managers, plus exclusive Barclays Premier League highlights, visit www.yahoo.co.uk/sport