Source: London_Paper
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger urges Capello to pick Walcott
ARSENE WENGER is hoping that Fabio Capello will give a long run-out to Theo Walcott when England face Holland on Wednesday night.[LNB]Walcott was a surprise inclusion in the England squad as he has played just 45 minutes for Arsenal since returning to pre-season training.[LNB]The Arsenal forward was handed an extended break following his inclusion in the England Under-21 squad, which took part at the European Championships back in June.[LNB]Walcott only joined up with his team-mates when they returned from a training camp in Austria at the end of July.[LNB]But Walcott has managed to prove his fitness and came on as a half-time substitute during Arsenal?s 2-0 defeat against Valencia on Saturday night.[LNB] Despite his lack of games, Wenger is keen for his star forward to play a big part for England against Holland on Wednesday.[LNB]Arsenal kick off the Premier League season against Everton next Saturday before facing a crucial Champions League qualifier against Celtic just a dew days later.[LNB]Wenger will be praying Walcott is 100 per cent ready to start the new campaign and has no objections to Capello including him in the England squad.[LNB]Wenger said: ?England play a friendly and Capello told me they would call him up so I am not surprised. He needs competition so if he plays it is good for us.?[LNB]Meanwhile, Wenger is confident summer signing Thomas Vermaelen will be fit to face Everton in the opening Premier League game on Saturday.[LNB]The Arsenal boss is already facing defensive worries after seeing his side lose their final pre-season game against Valencia.[LNB]Vermaelen picked up a muscle problem against Hannover and has been forced to miss the last three games, raising major concerns over his availability for the start of the season.[LNB]But the Arsenal boss is confident the former Ajax skipper will prove his fitness ahead of the big kick-off and give some much needed presence to the back four.[LNB]Wenger said: ?He is very close. If we had wanted to take a gamble then we could have played him. He should be available for next weekend.?[LNB]
