Welbeck: I Can't Play For Both Countries

Danny Welbeck made his England debut last night against Ghana and was booed as he ran on to the pitch by the 20,000 away fans in Wembley.

Born in Manchester to Ghanaian parents, there were some questions over which country he would represent.

As Danny is under 21 and only played in a friendly, this doesn’t mean he is committed to England forever, although it looks as though he won’t be choosing Ghana.

“I kind of understand that,” said Welbeck. “I’ve been playing for England at every single youth-team level so it’s kind of a natural progression just moving to the seniors and I’m obviously delighted with my own progress. It’s a bittersweet moment. I’ve got love for both countries. I can’t play for both. I can’t make everyone happy.”

Fabio Capello was asked whether he had picked Welbeck to secure his England future.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “I work for England. I always select the best players for England.”

Steve Bruce, who has seen Welbeck do well at Sunderland on loan this season, is pleased for him.

“It was great news for Sunderland, and for the boy who really deserves the accolades,” he said. “It’s testament to what he’s achieved since being here that he has not only played for the Under-21s regularly this season, but has now had the chance to meet up with the England squad, which is a valuable experience in itself.”