Walcott: call-up is a gamble

THEO WALCOTT admits England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is taking a gamble by including him in his World Cup squad despite having never played in the Premiership.

The 17-year-old Arsenal forward, yet to play a competitive game for the Gunners, was the shock inclusion in Eriksson’s provisional 23-man squad announced yesterday.

Walcott agrees with Eriksson that the manager is taking a risk by naming him in the squad for Germany.

“Of course it’s a gamble,” Walcott admitted. “But I just want to work and train with world-class players and improve.

“I’ve played in front of big crowds before and it’s going to be different but I think I can handle it. I’m just going to give it my best.”

At the time of the squad announcement Walcott was oblivious to all the fuss.

“I was taking my driving test in Southgate,” he said. “I switched off my phone and put it in my locker. I turned it back on at 3pm, phoned my dad and could not believe it was true really.

“He said to me you’re in the England squad and I thought he was having me on. I was shocked and surprised as everyone was.”

Walcott did not speak to Eriksson on Monday but confirmed the outgoing England chief called him yesterday.

“He spoke to me to wish me all the best and said he is looking forward to watching me train in Portugal. Most players don’t get to go to a World Cup – I’m the lucky one.”

George Burley, who was his manager at Southampton, reckons Walcott will simply enjoy the experience of playing in the World Cup finals.

Burley has backed him to travel to Germany with no fears.

“He’s a very level-headed lad,” he said.

“He’s got a very good family who look after him well. He’ll just go out and enjoy it. That’s youth for you.

“He’s got all the ability. He’s quick, elusive; he can score goals, he’s great at running at players.

“Certainly, it’ll be a great education for him.”