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After his 2006 nightmare, Walcott is ready for World Cup 2010 with England
Just over four years ago, Theo Walcott’s driving lesson in Southgate, north London was interrupted by his father greeting him with the news of his selection in England’s World Cup squad for Germany 2006. Walcott was the centre of an England storm measuring high on hype and low on concentration, the shock inclusion ahead of other in-form forwards such as Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe lead to many questioning Sven-Göran Eriksson’s selections. The 17-year-old’s virtual absence from the World Cup 2006 led critics out in force, a string of jibes including Dave Wheelan claiming Walcott was “basically the ball boy” and Steven Gerrard stating in his autobiography that he “had no right” to be at the World Cup had fans doubting whether Walcott would ever develop into a world class player.
Four years on, Theo Walcott has become a regular in the Arsenal squad, often turning score lines 180 degrees and has achieved cult status amongst England fans, becoming the youngest player to net a hat-trick for the national team. The 2009/10 season saw Walcott establish himself as an indispensible impact player for Arsenal, often used as a substitute to wreak havoc on the tiring legs of the opposition. The winger has stamped his authority on the Emirates Stadium more often as a substitute in the last 30 minutes, producing trademark runs down the right flank, aggressively targeting the opposition full-backs and squaring the ball into the path of a teammate for a goal. Wenger’s No 14 has often been criticised for his finishing in front of goal but performances against Croatia and a fabulous cameo for Arsenal against Barcelona have shown that Walcott does have an end product.
Comparisons have been rife throughout Walcott’s career. Similarities to Pelé were drawn in 2006 simply due to age but more recently, Walcott’s direct style of play, lengthy runs down the pitch and likeable personality have seen him weighed up against a young Michael Owen. While deployed on the right wing by Arsène Wenger, Walcott’s England stints have, at times, seen him utilised up front and after a deadly performance against Croatia in Zagreb, could forge a formidable partnership with Wayne Rooney. Walcott’s impact from the bench is fearsome, and wherever he slots into England’s line up, his pace, quick feet and extremely direct style is ideal for the Three Lions and could prove incredibly useful for Fabio Capello’s side. The always competitive right wing has been much in demand after David Beckham’s injury and the inclusion of Shaun Wright Phillips and Aaron Lennon in Capello’s preliminary 30-man squad will no doubt increase competition, but either on the wing or up front, in Walcott, England have a dangerous weapon.
Comparisons to Owen evoke memories of Walcott dashing 70 yards at Anfield past half of the Liverpool team to assist in a crucial but bittersweet goal, just as Owen glided past the Argentinean team in 1998 to score one of England’s finest (also bittersweet) goals. Walcott’s CV boasts memorable feats, albeit not on the international scene bar that night in Zagreb, but the stage is set. At the ripe age of 21, the time has come for Theo Walcott to justify to England and indeed the rest of the world that he is worthy of the international echelon.
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