Danny Welbeck is still only 23 years old, but against Switzerland on Monday he’ll be looking to add another cap to his impressive tally of 27.
Since his debut against Ghana in 2011, the recent Arsenal signing has been a virtual ever-present in England squads. And his goalscoring record isn’t bad either.
Welbeck has netted eight times for his country, but admits the Three Lions need to be more ruthless in front of goal as they begin their Euro 2016 qualification campaign.
Switzerland v England
European Qualifier
7.45pm BST, Monday 8 September 2014
St Jakob Park, Basel
Watch live on ITV
Roy Hodgson’s youthful squad flies to Switzerland on Sunday to face arguably their toughest encounter on route to the Finals in France.
Welbeck says the game in Basel is a chance for the young players to stake a claim for a place in the team and, as one of the experienced members of the group, he wants to nail down a regular spot for himself.
“It is always an opportunity to show what you can do. Whoever gets the chance on Monday will be looking to showcase their talent,” said the striker.
“Switzerland haven’t got 12 men, it's 11 v 11. Once we are on that pitch, the main thing is getting that win.
“We have got to get off to a good start and that is our main focus at the moment.”
He added: “I am no longer a young player. There are a lot of players younger than me in the squad by quite a few years.
“It's good to see that youngsters are being given the opportunity to play in the national side. You see in training the outstanding talent they have got and how it can have a massive impact.
Welbeck leads the way in training
“I've played a number of games on the international stage and I always try to make the biggest impact – not just in England matches but club matches.
“Coming to this stage of my career, I really want to push on now and be the best I can be.”
England will arrive in Switzerland following a 1-0 win over Norway at Wembley – their first game following the disappointment of group elimination from this summer’s World Cup.
But while they have netted just three goals in their last five games, Welbeck believes the squad has the ability to regain the scoring touch.
“We have got a lot of talent in the squad, all over the pitch, there is strong competition, people are fighting for their places,” he said.
“The first half an hour against Italy was exciting but we didn't score a goal – Sturridge got one after they've gone one ahead. We have to make the next step up and put the ball in the back of the net.
“Playing in the Premier League, you never know what can happen in football. You can be having one of the best games of your life and end up on the losing side, you can be 2-0 down in two minutes. You can't get carried away.”
