South Africa for DW?!?!

By Chris,
November 9 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson may have gone a little over the top when he suggested Danny Welbeck could make England’s World Cup squad in 2010. However, ex-United star Andrew Cole can see why he’d think that – and has lavished praise on the Red Devils teenager.

Cole,a goalscoring legend at Old Trafford, was left impressed by Welbeck'sperformance in United's recent League Cup triumph at Barnsley.

Theyoungster headed United on their way to a 2-0 win at Oakwell, bagging his fifthclub goal in the process.

Withthe likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov and Kiko Macheda atthe club, Welbeck is going to find regular first-team chances difficult to comeby at his tender age. 

However,Welbeck has played enough games to impress a host of pundits – and Cole can seewhy Sir Alex Ferguson feels the youngster could land himself a shock place in England’s WorldCup squad next summer. 

"DannyWelbeck has got the ability to go all the way." said the former Redsstriker, who joined the club after spells with Arsenal, BristolCity and Newcastle. 

"Heis one of the most level headed kids I've known ...Istill spend a fair amount of time around United and I know Danny gets verydisappointed with himself when he feels he hasn't shone. 

"Heis getting his chance and he will take it, of that I'm sure." 

Ifhe’s injury-free, Rooney will certainly go to South Africa next season. Then withthe likes of Jermaine Defoe, Michael Owen, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Darren Bent, EmileHeskey, Peter Crouch, Theo Walcott and Carlton Cole all vying for a place, it seemsrather unrealistic that the largely untested Welbeck could get a nod. 

Therecan be no doubt that Welbeck is a terrific prospect – but he’s got a long wayto go to prove he can cut it at the highest level. However, after Sven took TheoWalcott to the World Cup in 2006, anything could happen! What do you think?Join in the debate on the messageboard.