ARSENE WENGER HITS OUT OVER THEO WALCOTT
Under-21 call could wreck Arsenal star's World Cup chances
ARSENE WENGER has hit out at the FA for potentially costing Theo Walcott a place in England's World Cup squad next summer.
The Arsenal boss is annoyed that the youngster's pre-season was disrupted when he was forced to go to Sweden with the Under-21s for the European Championship.
He injured his back in a friendly against Valencia last month and now has a fight on his hands to dislodge Aaron Lennon from the right side of Fabio Capello's side.
Frustrated
"Theo is certainly frustrated. It was his decision as well to go with the Under-21s but you cannot blame him and it was a mistake to take him," said Wenger, whose Gunners face Standard Liege in their first Champions League game on Wednesday.
"Since then he has not played for Arsenal and not played for England.
"Basically, the Under-21s are there to promote players for the first team and it was purely based on results.
"I still believe, though, that he will get back into England's starting line-up."
Threat
Wenger is more than aware of Standard Liege's threat in Group H. The Gunners chief is looking to go one better than last season's semi-final appearance but remembers Liverpool struggling against the Belgian club last year.
"Standard Liege are now champions of Belgium and I saw them against Liverpool last year. Liverpool were very lucky," he said. "It took Steven Gerrard scoring in the last minute of the game to win it for them."
This article has 7 comments
The back injury occurred in a game for Arsenal, not the U21s. And Wenger knows that.
Because he picked him for that game when he knew he was under-cooked. Because he trains him in pre-season.
The only way he can blame the FA for that is if the FA told him to play Walcott in that game because they wanted to pick him for the Holland game.
If they did that, I'll back Wenger 100%.
If not, it's Wenger's fault, and Wenger's alone, that he picked a player he didn't think was yet ready for a match.
Sorry.
By Rhys Jaggar. Posted September 13 2009 at 6:15 PM.
I don’t think that Arsene is in a desperate situation to bring in new faces. I don’t think real Arsenal supporters should be panicking either. We are playing well, we just need a few people to take responsibility. Almunia is not good, manone should be given a chance while the polish keeper is recovering. I would like to see Cesc playing for Arsenal like when he wanted to break into the first team. Arshavin is a bit naive but a good asset though. I look at the team this year and I like it. Remember, Walcot , Nasri and Djourou are still out injured.
By john. Posted September 13 2009 at 3:31 PM.
Bizounce dont be a plonker, how can theo up his game for his club when he's out injured... thats the point thats being made here. He shouldnt have been playing for England U21 then he wouldnt be injured now
By Rocky. Posted September 13 2009 at 3:28 PM.
I don’t think that Arsene is in a desperate situation to bring in new faces. I don’t think real Arsenal supporters should be panicking either. We are playing well, we just need a few people to take responsibility. Almunia is not good, manone should be given a chance while the polish keeper is recovering.
I would like to see Cesc playing for Arsenal like when he wanted to break into the first team. Arshavin is a bit naive but a good asset though. I look at the team this year and I like it. Remember, Walcot , Nasri and Djourou are still out injured.
By john. Posted September 13 2009 at 3:16 PM.
after the defeat to man city arsene should look to strengthen the squad with a few good experienced players i hope arsene can be proved right arsenal fan in holland
By roy. Posted September 13 2009 at 1:32 PM.
Don't make me laugh. Theo started the qualifying campaign with his hat-trick against Crotia. Lennon is a johnny come lately who played ok in a good team performance. Like Tottenham his performances will tale off long before next summer. It will be Theo in South Africa with young Jack Wilshere in support. Lennon will be watching on the box like me! (albeit a much bigger and better box)
By Andy Dawson. Posted September 13 2009 at 10:17 AM.
Cut the crap prof! Walcott should up his game 4 club 2 earn the place ahead of lennon. -the position aint a dynasty reserved 4 only walcott, if he slackens he deserves 2 lose it.
By bizounce. Posted September 13 2009 at 2:48 AM.