Theo tips young Guns for glory

16 November 2010 07:45
Theo Walcott hopes his Arsenal team-mates Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs can establish themselves in the England team for a long time to come.[LNB] Walcott had not played a single Premier League game when he was the shock inclusion in Sven Goran Eriksson's squad for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.[LNB]But Wilshere and Gibbs already have made their mark with the Gunners ahead of Wednesday evening's friendly international with France at Wembley.[LNB]Walcott told The FA's website: "For me it was completely out of the blue going to the World Cup in 2006 especially as I'd not played in the Premier League.[LNB]"Gibbsy and Jack have been doing fantastically well for Arsenal when they get the opportunity to play and that is going to continue for years to come, I believe.[LNB]"I've always believed that if you're good enough you're old enough to play even in the Premier League.[LNB]I'm looking forward to playing with both of them for a long time. It would be good to see three English lads playing for Arsenal week-in, week-out.[LNB]"I think it would be great for the fans to watch as well. Hopefully we can bring back those memories of the successful Arsenal days of the past."[LNB]Walcott admits he takes great pleasure in seeing players like Wilshere and Gibbs earning their chance with England.[LNB]He said: "I suppose I'm an old man in comparison![LNB]"But it's lovely to see players at such a young age doing so well now at club level and getting the opportunity to play for the national team.[LNB]"It is a great achievement for them all and also showing the youth development side of things is working in the Premier League especially.[LNB]"Hopefully you will see a lot of people making their debuts against France."[LNB]Gibbs has paid tribute to the influence on his career of Arsene Wenger.[LNB]He said: "Arsene Wenger has given me everything. He is the reason I've been picked for England in the first place.[LNB]"He gave me my chance to play for the club. He gives a lot of young players the chance as well.[LNB]"That's a big part of what he does. He gives me a lot of confidence when he talks to me.[LNB]"That brings the best out of you and he does it every day with all the players at the club."

Source: Team_Talk