Hodgson: Welbeck patience paying off for England and Arsenal
Roy Hodgson believes England and Arsenal are now reaping the rewards of his keeping faith in Danny Welbeck.
The striker has excelled with the Gunners following his summer move from Manchester United, while he has also developed into a key man for the national team, with 13 goals from 32 caps.
The 24-year-old's goal-scoring record was criticised during his time at Old Trafford, but England boss Hodgson reckons he is now showing his true value.
Hodgson told FATV: "Danny Welbeck, of the young England players, is one of the most experienced because we have always kept faith with him.
"Even in the first squad I selected in 2012, Danny was in it, despite the fact that at the time he wasn't featuring for Manchester United.
"We've kept faith with him through that time until his move to Arsenal where he is now getting lots and lots of plaudits."
Hodgson is also pleased he is having to select fewer and fewer young players who are not playing for their clubs.
He added: "Strangely in the last six months I have to choose less and less of these younger players who don't get a game in their starting line-ups for their teams because they seem to have broken into their starting line-ups, which I'm pleased about.
"I would like to even hope that some of their performances for England have even accelerated their chances of being one of the first names on their club team sheet."