England national team analysis: Should Glenn Murray be called up?

With the World Cup quickly approaching, England coach Gareth Southgate has a big decision to make.

The England national team has been slammed for their decision to call up certain players before, during, and after every major tournament. Some players are called up simply on merit, and it frustrates a lot of English fans. The 2018 World Cup will be starting in June, and already there is discontent with the players selected for the national team.

Recently, Danny Welbeck earned a call up to the national team for the upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy. This is a normal occurrence for the ex-Manchester United striker, who has a great goal scoring record for his country. The only problem has been his recent form.

Welbeck has scored just seven goals in all competitions, with his two against AC Milan being his only two goals in the last two months. In an Arsenal team stricken with injury and players being cup tied, Welbeck had plenty of opportunities to make his mark on the team.

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This brings up the question of whether or not Welbeck deserves to be called up to the national team at all. Yes, it is just a couple of friendlies, but when there are other players in better form, why does he get the nod?

The first player that comes to mind this season would be Glenn Murray. The Brighton and Hove Albion striker has had a great season in the Premier League this year, scoring 13 goals for the newly promoted club in all competitions. Excluding his short appearance vs. Manchester United recently, Murray has scored six goals in his last seven matches played.

This is not just a point to say that because Murray has four more goals than Welbeck that he is better, rather it is a point for manager Gareth Southgate to take into account. With these two friendlies being rather unimportant, would it not make sense to give the 34 year old veteran his first England call up?

The England team will still have two more friendlies to play before the World Cup starts, so why not give Murray a shot to prove himself now? Even if he does not fit the system for these two matches, it was worth giving him the recognition he deserves for having such a solid season. No, he will not lead the Premier League in goals like Harry Kane, but at least give Murray the respect for continuing to battle at the top tier of English football.

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