England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

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Theo vows to stay grounded

11 Sep 2008 - 07:40:22

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England hat-trick hero Theo Walcott has vowed to keep his feet on the ground despite putting Croatia to the sword with a devastating display in Wednesday's 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory.

The 19-year-old Arsenal forward registered his first international goals in his fourth appearance with a clinical triple strike at the Maksimir Stadium.

His goals helped condemn Croatia to a first-ever competitive defeat in Zagreb and left Fabio Capello's side sitting pretty at the top of their qualifying group after taking six points from their first two games.

"I'm not going to get ahead of myself," claimed Walcott. "I know what people will be saying, but I will just ignore it all.

"It wasn't just down to me, the whole team was brilliant and we showed to the fans and to all of England how strong we are.

"It's been a long 10 days but we've been together and we have improved.

"I didn't play with any fear. You just have to get out there and put them on the back foot.

"My first two goals were quite similar. I tend to cross the ball a lot but I thought I'd be a bit more greedy. Wayne Rooney gave me a brilliant pass for my third.

"I am grateful that Fabio Capello has given me the opportunity and I have to take that and keep on improving."