Walcott: I didn’t deserve to go to the World Cup

After the disappointment of being dropped from Fabio Capello's World Cup squad earlier this year the onus was squarely on Arsenal winger Theo Walcott to bounce back and start living up to his potential.

And it may come a surprise to some of his critics but he appears to have done just that, scoring four goals in the two games he has started. He has also fought his way back into the England squad and it looks as though this could, at last, be the season in which he makes his breakthrough.

Speaking after training with England in the run up to the Euro 2012 qualifiers Walcott revealed his disappointment at missing out on the 2010 World Cup, and accepted that he should never have gone to the World Cup in 2006.

"I couldn’t point the finger at [Fabio] Capello or anyone," he said of his omission. "I had to blame myself because the form wasn't there at the end of the season and I just want to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Looking further back he admitted: "I didn't deserve to go to the 2006 World Cup. I hadn't played in the Premier League and justified being there at all."

In the wake of his exclusion from the England squad, Walcott has set about toughening himself up and put in extra work to tighten the weak points in his game.

"I stay behind after training for half an hour pretty much every day and practise on crossing, finishing and penalties," revealed the new Walcott. "I've grown. I am more mature, looking after myself better, having a go at people if they do something wrong."

But no matter how hard he works, some critics will need a lot from Walcott if they are to change their opinion of Arsenal's hot-footed winger.

One of those is Alan Hansen who, even after Walcott scored a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 6-0 demolition of Blackpool, commented that he thought the 21-year old lacked a "footballing brain". It was not the first time that allegation had been thrown at the player.

Walcott, however, remains unfazed by the ex-Liverpool centre-half's verdict.

"I have people on my side and people not on my side," he said. "The people I listen to are the boss [Arsène Wenger], Mr Capello, the players and my family. They are the most important people in my career.”

"At 21, playing for Arsenal and England is not a bad achievement so far. I am listening to the right people."

 
After facing Arsenal in the Champions League no lesser figure than Lionel Messi said that Theo Walcott was one of the "most dangerous" players he had ever played against.

The jury might still out on that one, but there is no shortage in intent as far as the young winger is concerned.

"I've been in the limelight since I was 16, but I'm still only 21" said Walcott, who acknowledged that it was time to start delivering when it matters. "The best from me is yet to come. There are no excuses any more." ·