Liam Delap has 'got to do more' if he is going to make England's World Cup squad.
That is the view of talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor after the striker's latest Chelsea display.
Liam Delap of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2025 in London, England.
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Delap has been warned he's 'got a lot to improve' if he is to make the World Cup squadCredit: Getty
Delap was a second half substitute during the Blues' 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
However, his display has caused debate among Chelsea supporters after he struggled to make an impact off the bench.
The 22-year-old had replaced fellow forward Joao Pedro in the 55th minute.
Having failed to score, Delap remains without a Premier League goal since joining the club in June.
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The former Ipswich man did miss two months with a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign, though, following his £30million arrival.
Delap's World Cup warning
Agbonlahor admits that it was a difficult match for Delap to come into but believes he's 'got a lot to improve' to make the World Cup squad.
Assessing his performance alongside Jeff Stelling, he told Breakfast: "It’s not easy to come on in a game like that. But I was watching him and I just felt, can you just hold the ball up for your team, win a foul?
"He was slipping over. He wasn’t really affecting the game. I’m just looking at this open now for the World Cup.
"Come on Liam, we want you to go to the World Cup, but you’ve got to do more whenever you get a chance.
"Yesterday wasn’t about scoring. It was about holding the ball up, gaining fouls for your team. But he’s got a lot to improve to get into that England squad."
Liam Delap's heat map against Arsenal
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Delap had just 15 touches of the ball in his late cameo
Liam Delap of Chelsea and Referee Anthony Taylor during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2025 in London, England.
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Delap endured a difficult second half cameo against Arsenal on SundayCredit: Getty
Delap has three goals in 12 caps for England at under-21 level but is yet to be called up to a senior squad.
Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane was the only recognised striker included by Thomas Tuchel in November.
It came as Ollie Watkins was left out of the side due to fitness concerns.
Despite his league goal drought, Delap has found the net twice in 15 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions.
Having joined the club at the end of last season, he was part of the side which won the Club World Cup in the summer.
Former Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole, who is currently an assistant manager to England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, backed Delap for a World Cup spot in the summer.
Head Coach Thomas Tuchel (R) of England during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2025 in London, England.
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England boss Tuchel was in the stands for Sunday's Premier League clash at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
Asked if he thinks the forward has a chance of being on the plane, he told talkSPORT: "I think they all have, I really do.
"Working with Liam on and off for about two years, at the start of the campaign we had him in the squad and he was influential in qualifying us.
"He’s a great lad, he’s enthusiastic, he wants to learn, he wants to get to the next level and he’s got all the tools to do it."
England qualified for the tournament by topping their group with maximum points and without conceding a goal.
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Tuchel will learn his group stage opponents during Friday's World Cup draw, with two friendlies also set to be scheduled for March.
They are expected to provide players with a final opportunity to force their way into the squad for the finals.