Danny Welbeck has said his full attention remains on Brighton & Hove Albion after his two-goal performance in the club’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool sparked discussion about a possible return to the England squad.
The forward’s brace against one of the Premier League’s leading sides naturally led to questions about his international prospects, with observers wondering whether his form might put him back into contention for a major tournament. Welbeck, however, has kept the emphasis on his club responsibilities, underlining that his priority is contributing consistently for Brighton as they continue their campaign.
While Welbeck’s display drew headlines, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has also been fielding questions about another of his senior players, goalkeeper Jason Steele, following Steele’s recent involvement with the England setup. De Zerbi has welcomed England’s interest in Steele, highlighting the keeper’s professionalism, composure and distribution from the back as qualities that fit both Brighton’s style and the demands of international football.
The Italian coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of competition within his squad and has pointed to Steele as an example of a player who has maximised his opportunity through hard work and reliability. According to De Zerbi, Steele’s calm presence and ability to play under pressure have been key factors in his rise, attributes that may have appealed to England’s coaching staff.
De Zerbi has also indicated that individual recognition, such as international call-ups, reflects positively on the club’s development and playing model. He has framed Steele’s selection as a sign that Brighton’s approach is helping players reach a high standard, while maintaining that team objectives remain paramount.
For Welbeck, the Liverpool match served as another reminder of what he can offer at the highest level: intelligent movement, experience in key moments and an eye for goal against strong opposition. Yet, despite the external noise surrounding potential World Cup involvement, Welbeck has kept his comments measured, reiterating that continued performances for Brighton are the only thing he can control.
Brighton’s win over Liverpool has reinforced their status as a side capable of challenging established powers, and both Welbeck and Steele embody different aspects of the club’s evolution. Welbeck brings top-level experience and a proven scoring touch, while Steele represents the value of persistence and adaptation within a demanding tactical system.
As the season progresses, Welbeck’s form is likely to remain a talking point when England selections are discussed, even if he himself avoids speculating about a recall. Steele’s situation, meanwhile, underlines how Brighton’s goalkeepers are being asked to contribute not only with saves but with their ability to start attacks and manage possession.
De Zerbi’s stance has been to support his players’ international ambitions without allowing them to overshadow Brighton’s aims. In his view, national-team recognition is a by-product of the standards the club is trying to set. For now, Welbeck is concentrating on extending his strong run of performances, while Steele’s England involvement serves as another marker of Brighton’s growing influence on the international stage.
