Danny Welbeck called up to to senior England squad in move to end Ghana interest

29 March 2011 15:17
Fabio Capello has moved to end any chance of Ghana selecting striker Danny Welbeck by calling him up for the senior England squad. [LNB]The 20-year-old Manchester United forward, currently on loan at Sunderland, has been courted by Ghana, the country of his parents' birth, for the last six months.[LNB]Six goals in 24 appearances for the Black Cats has encouraged his Ghanaian colleagues at the Stadium of Light - Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah and Sulley Muntari - to urge him to join them.[LNB] Decision time: If Welbeck makes it on to the pitch for England he will never be allowed to play for opponents Ghana[LNB]Welbeck scored as England Under 21s beat Denmark 4-0 on Friday and was one of five players allowed to leave early to return to their club and has moved into the senior squad following the withdrawal of Tottenham's Aaron Lennon.  [LNB]Capello has sprung a surprise that will force the Manchester-born star to make an decision about his future.[LNB]FIFA rules prevent any player from switching allegiances if they havemade an appearance for a senior national team, meaning Welbeck will be pledging his future to England if he plays. [LNB]However, Welbeck dismissed any talk of him talk he would abandon England and play for Ghana instead after scoring in the Young Lions' 4-0 win over Denmark last week.[LNB]Black star attraction: Welbeck says he has no intention of switching allegiances to Ghana[LNB]He said: 'My mum and dad are from Ghana so I am eligible (to play for them).  I saw a person from the Ghana FA after a Sunderland game once in the players' lounge. [LNB]'There's been a lot of talk about it but the guy came round to see John Mensah, Asamoah Gyan and Sully Muntari. [LNB]'I spoke to him briefly after the game and that's all that happened. The other lads have been going on about it but that's all it is.'[LNB]England face the Black Stars in an international friendly at Wembley tonight, with Liverpool's Andy Carroll earmarked for a start and Spurs' duo Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe also in Capello's squad the move looks very much like the Italian covering his back in case of further mishaps.[LNB]However, the experience will serve Welbeck well ahead of a likely place at this summer's European Under 21 Championships. [LNB]Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has expressed his delight at striker Danny Welbeck's elevation to the full England squad.[LNB]The 20-year-old, who is currently at the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United, has been drafted in by national coach Fabio Capello for this evening's friendly clash with Ghana at Wembley.[LNB]Bruce told the club's official website: 'It's great news for Sunderland and for the boy, who really deserves the accolade.[LNB]'When we brought him here, we knew he had that little bit of class, and he's shown that on numerous occasions playing for us in the Barclays Premier League this season.[LNB]'It's testament to what he's achieved while being here that he not only has played for the Under-21s regularly this season, but now will get the chance to meet up with the England squad, which is valuable experience in itself, but also possibly getting a run-out at Wembley will be a great opportunity for the kid to show what he's all about.'[LNB] Capello warns Carroll over boozing as England prepare to unleash ?35m manSo, who will be on show at Wembley as England host Ghana in friendly?Big match dossier: Why Wembley showdown is more than just a friendlyTrailblazer from Ghana who became England's first black footballer [LNB]  Explore more:People: Peter Crouch, Fabio Capello, Danny Welbeck, Andy Carroll, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe, Steve Bruce Places: Liverpool, Manchester, Denmark, United Kingdom, Ghana

Source: Daily_Mail