Source: Team_Talk
Sven surprised at Walcott slide
Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he is surprised at Theo Walcott's failure to fulfil the potential he showed ahead of the 2006 World Cup.[LNB] Walcott has been left out of Fabio Capello's England squad for the forthcoming finals in South Africa after suffering a series of injuries and loss of form.[LNB]Former England coach Eriksson caused a huge stir four years ago when he selected the then 17-year-old Walcott - at that stage without a single Premier League game to his name - in his 23-man squad for the finals in Germany, although he did not feature at all in the tournament.[LNB]A hat-trick in a World Cup qualifier against Croatia in September 2008 only enhanced his chances of playing in South Africa, but Capello opted to leave him out of this year's squad.[LNB]Asked whether he was surprised at the slow pace of Walcott's development, Eriksson, who will coach the Ivory Coast in the finals, told BBC Radio Five Live: "Yes I'm surprised because four years ago he was the golden boy, or (showed that he) can be the golden boy.[LNB]"Maybe the expectation on him was too big, I don't know. The only person that can speak about that is Wenger. Four years ago I thought he could be a great player - and he still can be of course."
