Rio Ferdinand names the Premier League star who 'needs to go the World Cup'

Rio Ferdinand got fans talking online with a post on social media as he watched Brighton vs Liverpool.

The Seagulls continued their fine form with a 2-1 win over Liverpool, with Danny Welbeck striking twice either side of a goal from Milos Kerkez.

Liverpool fell to a defeat just days after thrashing Galatasaray in the Champions League in one of their best performances of the campaign.

But Welbeck moved to 13 goals for the season, showing no signs of slowing down at 35.

His impressive performances have prompted many to call for Welbeck to get a call-up to the England squad as a back-up option talisman and captain Harry Kane.

Ferdinand, who played with Welbeck at United, is one of those in favour. Writing on his official X page, the former TNT Sports pundit said: "Welbeck needs to go the World Cup…."

When Welbeck bagged his second after being set up by Jack Hinshelwood, he simply added: "Retweet".

Welbeck has scored 12 goals in the Premier League this season. Image: Getty

First capped in 2011, Welbeck has played 42 times for England and found the net 16 times.

His last appearance came nearly eight years ago and Welbeck was not included in Thomas Tuchel's latest 35-man England squad for games against Uruguay and Japan.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke were selected in the penultimate squad, with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins overlooked.

Ferdinand, however, believes Welbeck should go ahead of them. Replying to a fan, he said: "Brooooo… I’m picking him over DCL or Watkins. Kane likely starts, Jude will be 2nd option as no9."

Ferdinand is not the only one who believes Welbeck can be a worthwhile addition to the tournament in the US, with his Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler paying tribute to him after his brace the AMEX Stadium.

Hurzeler praised Welbeck for the way in which he responded to his omission from the England squad and spoke of just how valuable his leadership qualities are for a tournament lik the World Cup.

“He's always there to connect to different ages, to connect to different cultures we have in our team," the German said in his press conference.

“To be there as a social leader, and I think if you want to achieve something in a World Cup, that's an attitude that definitely helps.

“We keep pushing him, we keep trying to support him, and then hopefully one day he will get the rewards for all that he's doing on and off the pitch."