Welbeck was just seven years old when a teen-aged Owen frightened the life out of the Argentines at France 98
Danny Welbeck can still remember watching Michael Owen burst past Argentina's defence to score one of England's iconic World Cup goals.
Now the United striker wants a taste of it for himself.
Welbeck was just seven years old when a teen-aged Owen frightened the life out of the Argentines at France 98.
Owen's pace won England a penalty after 10 minutes - and six minutes later he was racing clear again to put Glenn
Hoddle's side 2-1 in a game that would also see David Beckham sent off before the Three Lions eventually lost in a shootout.
Memories like that fuel Welbeck's desire to experience World Cups with his country as England head into their final qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland.
"I've actually represented England for years now - under 16s, U17s, U18s, U19s, U21s and now the senior side, so I'm quite at home with it," said the 22-year-old. "It's a great honour though, something I dreamed of when I was growing up watching all those great England players on the TV.
"Michael Owen's goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup was amazing.
"We've worked incredibly hard to get where we are so we just have to complete the job.
"There's a lot of talent in the squad and the manager has us well organised now. We all know our jobs and what's expected of us. If we play as we know we can we should be okay."
Welbeck has been one of the big plusses in Roy Hodgson's reign. Taken to last summer's
European Championships, he has an impressive return of eight goals in 18 games for his country - including two in his last appearance against Moldova.
Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge is likely to partner Wayne Rooney against Montenegro at Wembley tonight, with
Welbeck either operating in a wide role or starting on the bench. While he wants to chance to further develop his partnership with Rooney for both club and country, he says life at Old Trafford means he is used to the situation of having to fight for his place.
"I've just grown up, as a player, in and around Manchester United where you're expected to perform and give your all for the team," he said.
"The quality all around you and the new players always coming in means you can't afford to be slacking, ever.
"I guess that's what keeps pushing me onwards.
"The buzz you get playing for your country is fantastic. I don't know if I'm established yet though.
"I've got a long way to go in my career, but as long as I keep improving I'll be okay."
On Rooney, who returns to Hodgson's squad after missing the games against Moldova and Ukraine because of a gash to his forehead, Welbeck added: "It's getting so we know each other's games inside out from club level, and hopefully we can take that same understanding and make it work for England.
"He's Wayne Rooney - England is a stronger team with him in it, no doubt."Welbeck has become a regular in Hodgson's squads and is certain to head to Brazil if England qualify - but he is still fighting to establish himself under David Moyes at Old Trafford.
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