On the 29th of March, 2011. Daniel Nii Tachie Mensah Welbeck ("Danny Welbeck") Made his England senior team debut in a 1-1 draw against Ghana. Before this match, having only played at youth level for England, Danny Welbeck was eligible to play for either Ghana or England. But he accepted a call-up from Capello and made his debut as a substitute. Under the assumption that he continues to play for England and plays a competitive fixture, will he be wrong in choosing the country of his birth over the country of his descent?
I am a 'Ghanaian football fan' in the simplest words. So it is natural that as a fan at Wembley that night all I could do was jeer, sneer and boo at Welbeck in the spur of the moment. I admit now that we were wrong to do that, and I am happy that Welbeck understands the position of the fans and why we did it. But here are some of the reasons why he may have decided to play for England:
- England are officially a more widely recognized team and compete in the Euro
England are currently 6th in the world I think. This is due to the massive reputation they have built over the years and having won the 1966 world cup, they are known worldwide, especially for the quality of the Premier League which is often regarded as the best in the world. Welbeck may have seen this as a pick between a less prestigious country and a more prestigious one, in which case he chose the latter to further increase his reputation.
- Conveniency of the Euro and its larger importance
The African cup of Nations takes place every two years in January with the exception of 2012/2013 where it will be shifted. This is often considered inconvenient for clubs who have to allow their african players to go on international duty on the turn of the new year with the possibilities of injury and fatigue looming in their return. The European Championship takes place in June so it is not during the Premier League season.
- Ghana call-up has not come yet
The fact that Ghana have not yet officially called him up may serve as an indication as to whether Ghana really want him. England havecalled him up and therefore want him to play for them, as far as Capello is concerned. This would justify why he felt it right to play for them instead. He has also been capped at every youth level, progression to the senior team would only be natural.
But this is why I feel he should play for Ghana:
- Ghana are officially the highest ranked team in Africa
You cannot deny that at this point in time Ghana are worth a place in the top 30 in the world. Being 16th is flattering but it is justified by our rise over the past few years. 2006 we progressed to the knockout (round of 16) in which we were trounced by the favourites 3-0 (Brazil). We got to the U17 World Cup Cup semi finals in 2007 and won the U20 World Cup in 2009. We had one of the youngest squads at the African Cup of Nations and were runners up in the competition last year. We also became the third African team to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup and were a penalty away from proceeding further. And are widely regarded as an entertaining and well-supported African team.
- He WILL NOT be a regular for England
Under the assumption that a regular for england could rack up about 40+ caps in a 15 year career from the age of 18-19. I believe that Welbeck will never be considered a regular, not because he will never be good enough, but because there will always be people ahead of him. Apart from Rooney who will play for the majority of the next 7-9 years. I feel that England have a player in Carroll that they will be eager to use. There are also Defoe, Crouch, Bent and other premier league regulars to consider. Even if you were to cancel about 3 years, Carroll would play for the best part of about 10 years. You also have to consider that in this time, England will/might have their next 'Owen/Rooney/Defoe/Heskey" that will have a high reputation and will again be ahead of Welbeck.
- He WILL BE played regularly
In an already youthful Ghanaian side without many class options up front or on the wings apart from Ayew and Gyan, it is clear that Welbeck would have a more fruitful career with Ghana. He would also be able to enjoy being part of a side that encourages a relaxing atmosphere and rich culture. He will be able to replicate his form and chemistry with his 'Asa' (Gyan) amongst other things. Baring in mind we were the youngest team at the world cup yet one of the few who did not under perform.
- He is more likely to add to his silverware
No I am not saying that Ghana will win the world cup. But at this point in time I think is is fair to say that Ghana will win a lot more African Cup of Nations trophies than England will Euros in the next 15-20 years. Also Ghana are more likely to perform well at the Confederations Cup while not winning it. I also firmly believe that if an African team ever win a World Cup (improbable) within the next 50 years, it may well be Ghana. It would be good for Welbeck to be a part of the generations in build-up to this feat and be an inspiration to other young Ghanaians. Maybe we wouldn't be upset about people like Mustapha Riga, Mario Balotelli, George Boateng and Jerome Boteng
I am a 'Ghanaian football fan' in the simplest words. So it is natural that as a fan at Wembley that night all I could do was jeer, sneer and boo at Welbeck in the spur of the moment. I admit now that we were wrong to do that, and I am happy that Welbeck understands the position of the fans and why we did it. But here are some of the reasons why he may have decided to play for England:
- England are officially a more widely recognized team and compete in the Euro
England are currently 6th in the world I think. This is due to the massive reputation they have built over the years and having won the 1966 world cup, they are known worldwide, especially for the quality of the Premier League which is often regarded as the best in the world. Welbeck may have seen this as a pick between a less prestigious country and a more prestigious one, in which case he chose the latter to further increase his reputation.
- Conveniency of the Euro and its larger importance
The African cup of Nations takes place every two years in January with the exception of 2012/2013 where it will be shifted. This is often considered inconvenient for clubs who have to allow their african players to go on international duty on the turn of the new year with the possibilities of injury and fatigue looming in their return. The European Championship takes place in June so it is not during the Premier League season.
- Ghana call-up has not come yet
The fact that Ghana have not yet officially called him up may serve as an indication as to whether Ghana really want him. England havecalled him up and therefore want him to play for them, as far as Capello is concerned. This would justify why he felt it right to play for them instead. He has also been capped at every youth level, progression to the senior team would only be natural.
But this is why I feel he should play for Ghana:
- Ghana are officially the highest ranked team in Africa
You cannot deny that at this point in time Ghana are worth a place in the top 30 in the world. Being 16th is flattering but it is justified by our rise over the past few years. 2006 we progressed to the knockout (round of 16) in which we were trounced by the favourites 3-0 (Brazil). We got to the U17 World Cup Cup semi finals in 2007 and won the U20 World Cup in 2009. We had one of the youngest squads at the African Cup of Nations and were runners up in the competition last year. We also became the third African team to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup and were a penalty away from proceeding further. And are widely regarded as an entertaining and well-supported African team.
- He WILL NOT be a regular for England
Under the assumption that a regular for england could rack up about 40+ caps in a 15 year career from the age of 18-19. I believe that Welbeck will never be considered a regular, not because he will never be good enough, but because there will always be people ahead of him. Apart from Rooney who will play for the majority of the next 7-9 years. I feel that England have a player in Carroll that they will be eager to use. There are also Defoe, Crouch, Bent and other premier league regulars to consider. Even if you were to cancel about 3 years, Carroll would play for the best part of about 10 years. You also have to consider that in this time, England will/might have their next 'Owen/Rooney/Defoe/Heskey" that will have a high reputation and will again be ahead of Welbeck.
- He WILL BE played regularly
In an already youthful Ghanaian side without many class options up front or on the wings apart from Ayew and Gyan, it is clear that Welbeck would have a more fruitful career with Ghana. He would also be able to enjoy being part of a side that encourages a relaxing atmosphere and rich culture. He will be able to replicate his form and chemistry with his 'Asa' (Gyan) amongst other things. Baring in mind we were the youngest team at the world cup yet one of the few who did not under perform.
- He is more likely to add to his silverware
No I am not saying that Ghana will win the world cup. But at this point in time I think is is fair to say that Ghana will win a lot more African Cup of Nations trophies than England will Euros in the next 15-20 years. Also Ghana are more likely to perform well at the Confederations Cup while not winning it. I also firmly believe that if an African team ever win a World Cup (improbable) within the next 50 years, it may well be Ghana. It would be good for Welbeck to be a part of the generations in build-up to this feat and be an inspiration to other young Ghanaians. Maybe we wouldn't be upset about people like Mustapha Riga, Mario Balotelli, George Boateng and Jerome Boteng
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