Often, England's managers find themselves at the receiving end of criticism because of selecting 'the name' as opposed to 'the form'.
Southgate has somewhat managed to avoid this with regards to cutting Joe Hart from the squad b and ringing in Nick Pope as third supply keeper, however his choice to take Arsenal's Danny Welbeck to Russia has caused a fuss.
Many England fans took to Twitter following Southgate's 23-man squad announcement yesterday to voice their discontent with his decision to take the Gunners' 27-year-old centre forward.
Welbeck has played 40 games for Arsenal this season with a measly total of 10 goals, not to mention the fact he has a nasty habit of missing big chances in big games!
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However, former England and Premier League great Alan Shearer has backed Southgate's decision to take Welbeck - bringing light to the fact his goal scoring record in international football is far better than club football.
Shearer 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 [Jamie] Vardy and [Harry] Kane."
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"Overall, Gareth has picked pretty much the strongest squad available to him. He has got to make the best of what he has got."
Twitter had plenty to say about Welbeck making the cut:
Words by Joel Greasley
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Premier League, England, Alan Shearer, Arsenal, Danny Welbeck, World Cup
