World NewsWalcott Set For Striker Role |
THEO Walcott is expected to play as a central striker for England Under-21s in their European Championship final - and he predicts that position will be his long-term role for club and country.
Walcott has started his career mainly stationed on the flanks but Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has Gabriel Agbonlahor and Fraizer Campbell suspended for the clash against Germany in Malmo.
The only realistic option is Walcott, with Pearce believing the Arsenal youngster's pace will be a problem for the Germans even though the 20-year-old has rarely played centrally.
"I probably will end up being a striker," Walcott said.
"The boss at Arsenal (Arsene Wenger) said I would have probably played little bit more up front last season if I'd not got injured, like in FA Cup games and Carling Cup games.
"But I'll play anywhere as long as I'm on that pitch."
Starting on the wing and ending up as a striker was the path of Gunners legend Thierry Henry, with Walcott inheriting his number 14 shirt.
He was also given 14 when he made himself available for the Under-21 squad, despite establishing himself in the seniors.
"I didn't expect to get it but it's an absolute result," Walcott added.
"It doesn't really matter what number is on the back. As long as it's an England shirt I'm happy.
"I actually wanted the number eight shirt at Arsenal but they told me Samir Nasri had that. I didn't even know we'd signed him at the time!
"So they told me 14 and I said 'yeah, I'll have that' not realising it was Thierry's number until I got home. It's just a number but he's a great player to live up to. That's the pressure. That's no problem."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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