While Danny Welbeck's nine month layoff is a devastating blow for the Arsenal forward after a rapid return to form following a previous lengthy absence due to injury, it has opened the door for another player to form part of Roy Hodgson's plans for Euro 2016, and the England manager has whittled Welbeck's replacement down to two men.
England fans, however, are unlikely to be overwhelmed with the choices at Hodgson's disposal.
It is believed the Three Lions coach is agonising over replacing Welbeck with one of Theo Walcott or Andros Townsend. Walcott has endured another season of poor form and injury while Townsend, despite a recent resurgence in form for Newcastle, was deemed surplus to requirements at Spurs and has hardly set the world alight with his performances for the Magpies since arriving at St.James' Park earlier, this season.
Walcott has long been favoured by Hodgson, having scored a vital goal against Sweden four years ago during the group stage of Euro 2012, while some match winning displays during qualification for the 2014 World Cup have kept Townsend's on the England chief's radar for the last couple of years.
Whether either player is the answer to replacing Welbeck sufficiently remains to be seen, however.
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Who would you take to the Euros instead of the injured Welbeck? Walcott, Townsend or someone else? Have your say in the comments section, below.
(H/T The Sun)
Topics: Euro 2016, Football, England, Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck