In Theo I trust! Wenger insists Arsenal winger Walcott can be an England star

05 March 2010 14:58
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no doubts Theo Walcott will come good for England. [LNB]The Gunners forward, who turns 21 next month, has seen his progress this season hampered by injury.   [LNB]However, after a return to the Arsenal team, Walcott was called up to the England squad for the friendly against Egypt, and started at Wembley on Wednesday night before being replaced by Shaun Wright-Phillips after a largely ineffectual display.  [LNB] Three Lions: Walcott featured against Egypt before being replaced at half-time[LNB] Walcott - who smashed a famous hat-trick in the qualifier againstCroatia at the start of last season - admits he cannot rely on pastglories to make sure of his place in Fabio Capello's final 23-man partyfor South Africa.   [LNB]Wenger, though, feels the former Southampton man - a shock inclusionin the last World Cup squad four years ago - is on the right track,despite being an easy target for critics.   [LNB]'For a while maybe people expected too much of Theo and now they are too hard with him.' said the Arsenal manager.  [LNB] Injury-hit: Walcott has made just 13 Premier League appearances this season [LNB][LNB]'I believe Theo will be a great football player, he is very young, he will be 21 this year, he will have a great future.   [LNB]'I believe in him because he has a fantastic attitude, he's anintelligent boy and he is highly motivated. These players alwaysimprove.'   [LNB] Mentor: Wenger insists Walcott can be a great performer for England [LNB][LNB]Former England winger Chris Waddle questioned Walcott's Englandcredentials, claiming the youngster 'doesn't understand the game'.  Wenger, however, defended his player. [LNB]'Don't worry for him,' the Arsenal boss said.  'I believe Theo hasnot only a football brain, but he has a brain - that means he willcontinue to develop at a very quick pace.' [LNB] Players like Ramsey need protecting - Wigan boss Martinez backs Wenger PICTURED: Arsenal fans unfurl giant tribute banner to injured Aaron RamseyKeane hits back at 'crazy' Wenger over claims rivals are out to get his playersARSENAL v Burnley: Andrey Arshavin amongst returns but Sol Campbell is outARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail