Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes Gareth Southgate made the right choice to pick Danny Welbeck in his squad for the summer World Cup. The England international managed to net just five goals during the recently concluded Premier League season but the Arsenal striker was still able to make the Three Lions squad ahead of Glenn Murray and Callum Wilson who remain uncapped.

Speaking on BBC Sport, Shearer highlighted that Welbeck has a better goalscoring record internationally with 15 strikes from 37 appearances and believes this may have played a key part in the selection process. He said: “Welbeck has a better scoring record internationally than in club football. You wouldn't say he was bang in form and he hasn't pulled up any trees with Arsenal this season.But he is the best option we have as back-up to Vardy and Kane.Overall, Gareth has picked pretty much the strongest squad available to him.He has got to make the best of what he has got.”

Welbeck started the Premier League campaign in fine fashion with three goals from his first two appearances but his form thereafter nosedived after suffering a string of minor injuries. Despite this, the versatile forward was utilised heavily during the backend of the Europa League campaign and he eventually ended the season with a decent tally of 10 goals across all competitions.

The Englishman’s current deal with Arsenal is due to expire at the end of next season and talks over an extension have seemingly been put on hold until the appointment of a new head coach. As per reports, Unai Emery is the outright favourite to become the club’s next head coach and the Spaniard may decide whether Welbeck deserves a possible extension beyond next summer. Besiktas have been linked with the former Manchester United man of late