'I blame myself for missing World Cup'

By Chris Harris

Theo Walcott admits he didn't deserve to go to the World Cup this summer. Now he wants to make sure he can't be overlooked for a major tournament again.

The Arsenal forward was a shock omission from Fabio Capello's final 23 for South Africa, ironically four years after his even more stunning inclusion in the 2006 World Cup squad that travelled to Germany. 

Walcott is back in international action now of course and is expected to start England's opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria on Friday. But he does not look back in anger at Capello's decision in June.

"I couldn’t point the finger at Mr Capello or anyone," said Walcott.

"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. 

"I didn’t deserve to go to the 2006 World Cup. I hadn’t played in the Premier League and hadn't justified being there at all. This time, well, the form wasn’t there. I was trying to be there and I had a feeling I could be there, but I had to look at myself and go and prove people wrong on the pitch.

"I didn’t have the best season - I had so many injuries. But I’m a bit more mature now. I’m looking after myself a bit better and I’m staying behind after training, just trying to improve myself."

That hard work is reaping rewards at club level - Walcott has four goals in two starts this season - and England will certainly benefit if he translates his free-flowing form to the international stage. The good news for Arsenal and England is that Walcott is still just 21 with his best years ahead of him.

"I always want to improve," he said. "I’m still 21 and I want to play every game when I can, especially after last season with so many injuries. But at 21 I’m playing for Arsenal and England and that is not a bad achievement so far.

"I am working hard and listening to the right people. I listen to my managers and the players. Those are the most important people to listen to. I have people on my side and people not on my side. You have ups and downs. It’s how you react to them that counts."

[Wednesday, September 01, 2010]

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