Danny Welbeck says it is “about time” England picked Lewis Dunk.

The Albion skipper will join up with the Three Lions for two Euro 2024 qualifiers next month.

Injury permitting, he will lead his side out at Aston Villa today.

Former England striker Welbeck said: “Since I’ve been at Brighton I have seen Lewis close up and it’s about time he was in that England squad.

“He has been instrumental, playing out from the back, setting our build-up and the composure he has shown.

“He is an unbelievable captain. He leads by performances and he has def warranted that England call-up.

“I am pretty sure there will be many more.

“He has been a stalwart of the club. For him to take Brighton into the Europa League, and it sounds mad saying it, is ana unbelievable feeling.”

Albion will finish the season in a best-ever sixth place whatever the result at Villa, where they have never won in front of fans.

Welbeck said: “We have set a level, a standard in the Premier League, and we want to keep improving. Every season I have been here we have improved, year on year.”