On to a winner? England can expect striker Welbeck to finally shine

Manchester United, 14/1 to win the Premier League, may be feeling a little red faced after Danny Welbeck’s display for England in the Euro 2016 qualifier with Switzerland. The Three Lions forward bagged a brace, but as usual his contribution to the cause was much more than simple statistics can illustrate.

With his blistering pace and power, Welbeck, who is always keen to stretch defences, demonstrated just how he can utilise his natural gifts to terrorise the opposition. Instrumental in some of England’s best build-up play, the intelligent attacker linked up well with former clubmate Wayne Rooney and Raheem Sterling, who provided guile and support from the tip of a midfield diamond.

It was Welbeck who was the jewel in the crown, though, revelling in his starring role, and providing the cutting edge in England’s attack, in stark contrast to his effective but muted performances at the World Cup. Daniel Sturridge, who was sidelined with a thigh injury, should certainly be looking over his shoulder.

Prolific poacher Sturridge netted 21 times in 29 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last campaign, but does not offer the same dynamism, tactical awareness or hold up play as Welbeck, who it is hoped will now follow the same curve of development as his rival.

Former United star Welbeck made a dramatic deadline day switch to Premier League rivals Arsenal, for a paltry £16m fee, after reportedly snubbing loan moves to Spurs and Sunderland, and already looks rejuvenated by his escape from Old Trafford.

Frustration with Welbeck has always been aimed at his goal return and the tendency to dither when given too much time to think in the final third. Even against the Swiss, the kinks in his game were evident, as the striker failed to find Sterling in an obvious scoring position.

Whilst it seems churlish to criticise and pick holes in an excellent performance that resulted in two goals and a victory, one game does not a Lionel Messi make. Expectations should be high for a young English player who has the chance to spearhead Arsenal’s attack, but not excessive.

A full season under the wing of Arsene Wenger, partaking in the swift, slick football favoured in north London, alongside fellow Three Lions stars such as Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, is a tantalising prospect for both Welbeck and England fans.