Theo Walcott misses out
Four years ago, Theo Walcott’s inclusion in England’s World Cup squad was a surprise. Now, his omission from England’s squad to South Africa is a surprise.
Fabio Capello named Walcott as one of seven players to miss out in the final 23-man squad. The 21-year-old started both of England’s warm-up games against Mexico and Japan, but had no idea that his place would be in jeopardy after Capello said he was “one of our most important players” in March.
Walcott burst onto the international scene in September 2008, where he scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Croatia in Zagreb. His performance on the night received glowing references, and he was being touted as England’s new man to replace David Beckham. Since then, he has failed to reach the heights of that amazing night.
Previous to that remarkable display, he showed glimpses of his true potential for Arsenal in the domestic campaign, scoring two goals at Birmingham in 2008 - the game where Eduardo suffered his horrific injury - and providing one of the assists of the season in the Champions League quarter-final at Anfield, where he ran from his own penalty box to the opposition’s.
But it was that night in Zagreb that propelled Walcott to stardom.
Since the stunning hat-trick, Walcott has endured a difficult 18 months for Arsenal. He has been hampered by injuries, leading to only 30 appearances, with 15 starts and four goals. The winger’s season effectively began mid-way through the last campaign, and speaking in February he admitted he had a lot of work to do to impress Capello.
“This season has been the most frustrating in my career so far — just on, off, on, off. I don’t think people realise that you can’t be at your best just like that. In a couple of games’ time I think I’ll be up to full fitness and hopefully I can show people I’m back,” said Walcott.
Missing out on the World Cup will be a huge setback for Walcott. “I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad going out to South Africa, but completely respect Mr Capello's decision. I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they have a really successful tournament,” he said.
Walcott has electrifying pace, but it is his decision-making in the final third that frustrates fans. This has prompted ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown to be critical of the winger. “He runs at a frightening pace, he is rapid, but when he gets into those positions he is not able to think quickly enough, does he pull it back, does he shoot or does he go on his own? His decision-making is the problem, he hasn't been able to do that,” said Keown.
If anyone can restore Walcott’s confidence after this setback it is Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.
If he does, Walcott could be the surprise package for Arsenal next season.
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