Danny Welbeck Eases Injury Concerns With England Cameo

Danny Welbeck eased fears his Arsenal debut could be delayed by injury after producing a lively performance during a 20-minute cameo during England's 1-0 friendly win over Norway.

Welbeck replaced goal-scorer Wayne Rooney after 70 minutes at Wembley Stadium and almost doubled England's lead late on, with a neat turn and shot which was pushed out by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

The 23 year old was expected to miss the game after picking up an injury during the week following his deadline day move from Manchester United to Arsenal, but after being named on the bench he produced a showing which could him start the Euro 2016 qualifying opener against Switzerland.

"When Danny came on we were already leading by one goal to nil," said England manager Roy Hodgson. "In the first half we are playing a team who are not making too many attempts to attack us.

"I am happy with Danny Welbeck, I did think he was very lively when he came on," he added. "It's nice to know that we have these options and we are not totally restricted to one-way play."

Should Welbeck come through the qualifier in Basel unscathed he will be expected to make his Arsenal debut for the visit of Manchester City on 13 September, in the absence of Olivier Giroud who will miss the next four months with a broken leg.

Following his impressive display on Wednesday night, ex England and Arsenal striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports: "I am pleased for him because just listening to his comments on the move to Arsenal you can see he is really excited and it's just what he needed

"He's champing at the bit to get started at the Emirates and that showed when he came on [for England against Norway] I think.

"We're going to see a lot of good football from Danny Welbeck over the next few years for club and country. He's done well for Roy Hodgson, he did well at the World Cup in that first game against Italy, I thought he put in a really good shift.

"It is an option for Roy Hodgson on Monday, does he play Welbeck up top with Sturridge instead of Rooney? I don't think he will but it's good to have these options."