England head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has yet to see Theo Walcott play in a competitive game, Eriksson though is taking the Arsenal teenager to Germany this summer.
“I’ve seen him perhaps three times in training, (At Arsenal) on Saturday I saw him play 11 against 11 on a half pitch. You can see how good the technique is because space is very small. And I saw him do some finishing.”
Theo been in frame since January
Sven only finally made his mind up to take Walcott to Germany on the morning of the annoucement, though the idea had been with him for while,
“I was starting to think about him in January, February and March. The first thing I had to check was can he handle it and everyone we spoke to said yes. He is a very steady boy.”
Walcott World Cup Expectations
“I don’t think Walcott or Arsene Wenger thinks he is going to play seven games (of) 90 minutes in the World Cup. If you expect him to have the impact Pele had in 1958, we are talking about the wrong things, but I am excited about it.”
Walcott Misses Champions League Final
Baring any injuries Walcott will miss Arsenal’s Champions League final against Barcelona to join up with the England squad training cmap in Portugal next week.
“I will meet him on Monday and I will speak to him. If nothing special happens at Arsenal he will come with us. I spoke to Arsene this morning.”
Has Sven gone really mad? Or is this England squad selection pure tactical genius on Sven’s mark? Your views are always welcome. See page bottom.
i think Theo Walcott is just the fine player for Arsenals next season team. However, Walcott would be just the player to experience the World Cup trophy. in 1994 the Brazzilian Ronaldo made his debut at 17 for the Brazzilian International team, just like Wayne Rooney and Mr. Beckham did for the England International team. Wayne Rooney made his name that moment and so will Theo Walcott. At the age of 17 there is no fear or pression on the person, they will expect and try to get freekicks, whereas when you are older like a player such as THIERRY HENRY you know you will not get freekicks so you’d just go for the goal. Theo Walcott would be expected to play in the World Cup by Millions of fans.
‘Mr. Beckham’ DID NOT make his international debut at the age of 17…
get in there theo. he is a brilliant player for his age. if england get young players in we will win the world cup in the future!
Well Done Theo! I cant believe everyone thinks its a gamble or a shock.. he’s 17 he will have no fear of anyone and as soon as teams see his explosive pace they will be scared just as argentina were scared of micheal owen everytime he went at them.I will just say ALL THE BEST THEO GIVE YOUR ALL FOR ENGLAND !
Theo walcott is lightning quick.
he is young,fast & has no fear ideal if owen drops out if not theo better technique player
Does anyone remember what happened in the last world cup?? Michael was the new teen sensation at England at age 18. He then got hurt which made way for Wayne Rooney. He scored some goals and..BAm, a hero. Could this happen to Walcott. Hopefully.
ive neva seen u play coz i liv in nz but u sound so wickd! its my dream 2 make it big in soccer nd u hav inspired me that much more. il closely follow u nd england. play hard, play fair, play to win nd get in there!!!
walcott is going to be bigger than henry!how can a 17 year old play in the world cup for the best team and up frount.he has got to be all that they say he is or even better.Arsenal are going up next season,and who said that arsenal are only french.wee got ashley,sol,and walcot!!!!!
No one could tell how great of Walcott will be, certain Sven would like to giving a surprising to all soccer fans on earth.
Why don’t cheer of this young kid to show us his strength, miracle never let us know when would it comes, but our world is still full of fairy tales. Have you ever buy a lottery? Let our kids have their own dreams & believe what they could be achieved in life.
When we were young we got no fear but now?
Give everyone a chance & for yourself, too.