Rooney urges Tuchel to test Welbeck as Kane’s replacement before England’s World Cup qualifiers

Rooney's Bold Note to Tuchel

Wayne Rooney, the England legend and former Manchester United star, has urged England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel to consider Danny Welbeck as a potential successor to Harry Kane in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Welbeck, who has been in superb form for Brighton this season, has tallied 6 goals in 10 Premier League appearances, making Rooney argue that the 34-year-old forward deserves a serious look for the national team. England trains for matches against Serbia and Albania, and Rooney believes Welbeck’s experience and current form could add valuable depth to the squad.

Welbeck’s last appearance for England came in a 2018 friendly against Switzerland, but Rooney insists the forward’s present level could significantly contribute to the national team’s ambitions in 2025 and beyond. In Rooney’s view, Welbeck has positioned himself as a genuine option for Tuchel as Kane’s period with the national team evolves.

During his latest edition of the podcast “The Wayne Rooney Show,” Rooney noted: “Welbeck is scoring, working hard, and in a rich vein of form. He’s proven himself in the Premier League this season, and he’s a forward England could rely on behind Kane.” Rooney also highlighted Welbeck’s past collaboration with him at Manchester United and for England, underscoring the pair’s shared history and mutual respect.

Rooney pointed out that Welbeck’s maturity and leadership could be exactly what England needs in crucial moments. While Kane remains the first-choice striker, Rooney argued that giving Welbeck a test run in forthcoming friendlies could help Tuchel gauge whether Welbeck can shoulder responsibilities in the national setup, especially if Kane requires a breather as the calendar intensifies.

Rooney’s call arrives as England has already secured a place in major summer tournaments in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and the suggestion to rotate and experiment with attackers begins to gain traction among fans who remember Welbeck’s resilience through injuries and his ability to perform on the big stage.

In Rooney’s words: if he were in Tuchel’s shoes, he would definitely consider Welbeck for the next England squad, especially in the two upcoming fixtures. The message is clear: test Welbeck, assess his impact, and give other forwards like Watkins or Tony a chance to press their claims, thereby maintaining healthy competition for Kane’s spot.

Rooney closes with a reminder of Welbeck’s character and the benefits of experience in a high-stakes campaign: Welbeck’s presence could help England navigate a demanding schedule and sharpen the squad’s collective edge as they pursue qualification for the global event. The former striker’s endorsement comes with warmth and a touch of sentiment about his old teammate’s perseverance and talent.

Punchline 1: If Tuchel benches Kane for Welbeck, that’s like bringing a sniper to a coffee break—efficient, surprising, and suddenly the barista is a goal-scorer.

Punchline 2: Welbeck’s form is so hot right now, even the net is asking for an autograph. You gotta admit, age is just a number when the goals start counting.