England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Walcott shocked by call-up

09 May 2006 - 13:06:07

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England teenager Theo Walcott has admitted his call-up in to Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad has stunned him.

The 17-year-old Arsenal player was named in Eriksson's 23-man squad on Monday even though he has not starred in a first-team game for the Gunners since his transfer from Southampton in January.

But he told Sky Sports: "I've played in front of big crowds before and it's going to be different but I think I can handle it. I'm just going to give it my best.

"I was taking my driving test in Southgate (when the squad was announced). I switched off my phone and put it in my locker.

"I turned it back on at 3pm, phoned my dad and could not believe it was true really.

"He said to me you're in the England squad and I thought he was having me on. I was shocked and surprised as everyone was.

"My first thoughts were that I can't believe this is true. First the move to Arsenal and then this, it is unbelievable.

"He (Sven-Goran Eriksson) spoke to me today to wish me all the best and said he is looking forward to watching me train in Portugal.

"Most players don't get to go to a World Cup - I'm the lucky one.

"Becoming England's youngest player would be something special, the likes of Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney were put in at young ages and if I do something like they've done in their careers it would be special."