Who was left out of the England Squad?

Written by James Beckett Tuesday, 01 June 2010 18:25

England World Cup Blog

Theo Walcott, the man who starred in Fabio Capello's finest hour as England manager has been dramatically left out of the England squad for this summer's World Cup. Capello named a fairly predictable squad otherwise, but the omission of Walcott will certinaly spark debate amongst England fans.

It was back in September 2008 that Walcott finally proved that he had the talent we all suspected he had. After an average performance 5 days earlier against Andorra, Walcott scored a superb hatrick against Croatia as England put the ghost of their Euro 2008 qualifying nightmare to bed.


But since then injuries and a lack of form have seen Walcott regularly left out of the Arsenal side, and ultimately cost him his place in Capello's final 23. However the news has certinaly took me by surprise.


I always suspected that Walcott was one of Capello's favourites. He was always picked for the England squad when fit, and I was certain that despite mediocre performances against Mexico and Japan, that Walcott would not only make the final squad, but probably start as England's first choice right midfielder.


But by leaving Walcott out, Capello has shown that he has no favourites, and that nobody's place is guaranteed. Even though that Capello was saying he knew his 23 prior to the Japan game, you feel that Walcott's disappointing display, coupled with the impact that Shaun Wright Phillips made after coming on at half time, will have made the Italians mind up.


It could prove to be a big mistake from Capello, because of the immense quality and threat that Walcott has. However Capello must be praised for not sticking with an out of form player, on the hope that he can reproduce something he has done once in 21 England caps.


Wright Phillips and Aaron Lennon will be the main benefiters from Capello's decision, and in all honesty they have done a lot more for England in their appearances then Walcott has, and we probably shouldn't be surprised that they have pipped the Arsenal man to a place in the squad.


But for Walcott, he has now got to go away and focus on performing for Arsenal, and earning his place in the England squads in the future. He is only young, and while he will bitterly disappointed tonight, you feel that Capello has probably made the right decision. Walcott should have pushed on after that night in Zagreb, but he didn't, and that's what has seen him miss out.

 The other players to miss the cut are Darren Bent, Leighton Baines, Michael Dawson, Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone and Adam Johnson.

Click here for the full England squad with profile.

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Comments (3)

Barry Lagger said:

HITMAN why has walcott been left out is the best mother winger in the whole england squad, he is a lot better than aaron lennon and emile hesky. we are going to really miss him in the world cup then all the walcoot critics will see how much of a good player he is for his age and how much he is needed in the england squad. not happy at the italian fucking w*nker

June 01, 2010

Paul Quinn said:

... Nah man, Walcott blew it. Maybe he's produced at club level, but he's not shown much of a spark at national level. Very little endeavour at all in the recent friendlies that really should have seen him stepping up. He's had one decent showing for England, a long time ago against weak opposition. His place was up for grabs... but he didn't even compete for it. Best he stay at home, I reckon. I'm actually much more shocked at Wright-Philips inclusion than I am at Walcott's exclusion.

June 02, 2010

Tony Concannon said:

... Don't understand all this 'shock' at Walcott being left out of the squad. He's clueless. Chris Waddle's comments about him are spot on. Then again... Wright-Phillips isn't much better.

June 02, 2010