Walcott left out of England World Cup party

01 June 2010 16:38

Theo Walcott has been left out of Fabio Capello's England World Cup squad.

Walcott has endured an injury-troubled time since scoring his memorable hat-trick against Croatia to launch England's qualifying campaign in September 2008. The Arsenal winger's place in the squad goes to Shaun Wright-Phillips, whose Manchester City team-mate Gareth Barry has made sufficient progress in his recovery from an ankle problem to be included.

Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Darren Bent, Michael Dawson and Scott Parker were not expected to be involved and can now start booking their summer holidays, while Stephen Warnock is preferred to fellow left-back Leighton Baines.

Walcott said: "I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad going out to South Africa, but completely respect Mr Capello's decision. I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they have a really successful tournament."

England World Cup squad: Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham); Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa); Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City); Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

Source: PA