THEO WALCOTT UNDER PRESSURE
Arsenal winger must make mark for England U-21s
NEXT week is far more important for England's World Cup hopes than the past eight days. And far more important for Theo Walcott in particular.
Only an anorak would dispute that England have already qualified for the 2010 World Cup finals. Only a mug would argue that England have no chance of winning in South Africa.
Skipper John Terry has, thankfully, put his foot on the ball when others have been tub- thumping after wins over a weak Kazakhstan and inept Andorra.
I say thankfully because over-confidence and arrogance have cost England in the past.
So while the Capello Effect has been profound in turning England into contenders, we learned little in those two games. But one thing is obvious...Walcott is not yet a world-beater. Not by a long chalk.
So it is essential that Walcott steps up to the plate this week in the UEFA U21 Championship and shows he can evolve from wonderboy to superstar like Wayne Rooney.
In Almaty and at Wembley, the Arsenal player failed to convince. Against teams who would struggle in the Blue Square League, young Theo was naïve defensively and largely toothless in attack.
I admit my view on Theo is slightly tainted because of the ludicrous decision by Sven Goran Eriksson to take him to the last World Cup before he'd kicked a first-team ball.
That was not Walcott's fault, a point he made to me with vigour when he was a guest of the News of the World at our recent Children's Champions event.
That night, Theo's attitude impressed. Not only did he take the time to attend but he did so with class that belied the fact he is still only 20.
Triumph
He has done well to avoid being ruined by Eriksson's stupid ploy of thrusting him into the limelight too soon.
So instead of being a big-time Charlie and refusing to play for the U21s - as David Bentley did two years ago - Walcott has been brave enough to go against Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's advice to not travel to Sweden.
You have to admire him for that. And despite what Wenger thinks, these tournaments ARE important when it comes to the development of players.
Spain's European Championship triumph last year owed much to the fact players such as Iniesta, Xavi and Torres had all taken youth games seriously.
Thrust
Now Walcott must show Capello just why David Beckham should no longer be a serious contender on the right and that he's ahead of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Young.
There might also be a chance to show Capello that he provides an option as second striker. England's U21 group of Finland, Germany and Spain is difficult and to win would be a great achievement.
It is important that two or three players, such as Mark Noble and James Milner, thrust themselves into Capello's World Cup plans.
But cast as England's talisman this week, the onus is mainly on Walcott to show he has the skill and mental strength to deliver when the pressure is on - and prove he possesses the X-factor to deliver in South Africa.
This article has 4 comments
You will be adviced to train your eyes on this impressive talent. When he finally matures in the next 2 seasons, i cant wait.
By Albert. Posted June 21 2009 at 6:53 PM.
Walcott has a couple of quiet games for England and then suddenly he has a lot to prove and he no longer has the ability to make it! Very harsh...
He was one of Arsenal's best players last season despite being out with injury for four months. Also he is naturally a central striker, not a right winger. Everyone seems to keep forgetting that. He is playing out of position.
Infact he comes on the other day for the England U21s on the LEFT side has a blinder sets up a goal and none of the press mention it!!
Joke...
By Tom. Posted June 21 2009 at 1:05 PM.
if andora,kazakstan and hondura qualified and get into the same group as england then england wil
qualify for the second round, on walcot, i haven't heard from walcot saying he was the best , and i understand that he is still under 21, he play the way he play, select him on that basis and he don't need to prove himself. england win everytime they went to world cup and till now , nothing to show.
By jack. Posted June 14 2009 at 11:59 AM.
"Only a mug would argue that England have no chance of winning in South Africa"
Typo there Shep, should be an 'a' instead of 'no'. Glad to be of service.
By tracey. Posted June 14 2009 at 2:29 AM.