We continue our build-up to the World Cup with a look at England's explosive young winger Theo Walcott.
Name: Theo James Walcott
Age: 21
Club: Arsenal
Country: England
International caps: 9
International goals: 3
Born in Stanmore, England in 1989, Walcott burst onto the youth football scene after scoring more than a hundred goals for AFC Newbury. His form led to a move to Swindon Town before he made the journey south to join Southampton's youth academy.
After making his senior debut for the Saints at just 16 years of age, Walcott put in some impressive performances prompting speculation about interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham.
He eventually moved to Arsenal in January 2006 for a fee of £5 million rising to £12m depending on appearances for club and country.
Despite not making a first-team appearance for his new club, Theo was controversially selected for England's 2006 World Cup squad by Sven Goran Eriksson but failed to make an appearance at the tournament.
Since then he has established himself in Arsene Wenger's first-team and made himself a key component in England's successful qualifying campaign for this summer's World Cup.
Poor form and injuries this season have seen him drop down the pecking order for his country but his electric pace should see him fight it out with Aaron Lennon for a spot on the right side of England's midfield.
Source: DSG
