Source: Team_Talk
Wenger backs Walcott for World Cup
Walcott is set to feature in the Gunners squad for the first time in the new campaign on Sunday after recovering from a side strain.
During his enforced absence, the pacy forward - who netted an international hat-trick against Croatia last season - has seen plenty of competition emerge for his spot in the starting XI for both club and country.
England manager Fabio Capello is set to be at the Emirates Stadium for the Premier League clash with Blackburn, but may well overlook Walcott for the next World Cup qualifiers with Ukraine and Belarus because of a lack of match fitness.
Nevertheless, Wenger feels Walcott - a controversial selection for the Under-21s at the European Championships during the summer - has what it takes to come back stronger.
"I believe that he is not considered any more like a youth player, he is considered a senior player, so it is a big season for him as he wants to win," said Wenger, who signed the forward from Southampton in January 2006 when he was aged 16.
"Of course the expectation level for him is very high because he plays for England.
"For me the most important thing is playing well for your club, as the national team is a consequence of the quality of your performances with your club.
"I believe it is very simple - great players make their clubs win. So of course it is important."
Walcott made all the headlines when he was included in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for the last World Cup, despite not having played a senior match with the Gunners, and he did not make an appearance in Germany.
It appeared, though, as if Walcott had finally come of age with England following a stunning treble in the 4-1 away win over qualifying rivals Croatia during September 2008.
However, a shoulder injury then halted his run of good form before making a return to action at the back end of the last campaign.
While he has been sidelined over the past couple of months, Walcott has seen the re-emergence of Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon, Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips and even veteran David Beckham.
They have all become genuine contenders for the right-midfield berth in Capello's final squad selection for South Africa.
Wenger, though, feels Walcott can utilise such pressure, which also now exerts itself within the Arsenal camp, to become a better player.
"On that flank there is a lot of competition. However, Theo has the potential to do it, that is why we extended his contract," said the Arsenal manager.
"But you must take this kind of competition as a possibility to become better and not be in a comfort zone."
Wenger has this season opted for a fluid 4-3-3 system, with captain Cesc Fabregas flanked by two defensive midfielders which allows their playmaker to get up in support of the attack much more.
With Robin van Persie, last season's leading scorer, at the head of the frontline, and Russian Andrey Arshavin making the left side his own, Walcott finds himself in direct competition with the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Eduardo, the resurgent Emmanuel Eboue, Czech winger Tomas Rosicky and, when fit, Samir Nasri.
Wenger has often suggested he sees Walcott's future in a more central attacking role.
The 20-year-old, though, feels he can slot right into the Gunners' new formation.
"We used to play 4-3-3 in the Southampton youth team, and I played on the right wing," he said.
"I am looking forward to being part of it.
"It is an attacking formation and I have noticed that the front three have been interchanging a bit, so maybe it will give me the opportunity to play up front a bit more. We will wait and see."
