Arsenal: Danny Welbeck faces Euro 2016 heartbreak if fitness issues persist

Danny Welbeck could miss England's campaign at the European Championship finals in France later this year owing to his lack of fitness following his return from a knee injury. The Arsenal forward, who made his return to action in February after being sidelined for over 10 months with a knee injury, is still struggling for match fitness, which could see him lose his place in the squad.

According to the Mirror, the former Manchester United star is struggling to play two whole games in a short span of time, and this could hamper England as they face three games in nine days during Euro 2016 group stages. Arsene Wenger also admitted that he pushed Welbeck when he played started him against Barcelona and Everton in the space of three days.

The 25-year-old, who underwent surgery last year, has made a string comeback and looks sharp every time he is on the pitch. He has scored three goals in five Premier League matches, but his inability to play the whole 90 minutes with less recovery time could see his chances hampered. Welbeck, who was called up to the Three Lions squad for their upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Germany missed their training session and is unlikely to be used in both the matches owing to his lack of match fitness.

Roy Hodgson has already made it clear that he will select Wayne Rooney for England's Euro 2016 squad if the United skipper returns to action with the Red Devils before the end of the season. Therefore, the Gunners' star faces a battle with Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge for a place in the squad and with the former two in rich goal scoring form they are likely to make the squad. It could come to a toss-up between the Liverpool star and Welbeck for the final place depending on the number of forwards the manager is willing to take in his squad.