Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger urges Capello to pick Walcott

ARSENE WENGER is hoping that Fabio Capello will give a long run-out to Theo Walcott when England face Holland on Wednesday night.Walcott was a surprise inclusion in the England squad as he has played just 45 minutes for Arsenal since returning to pre-season training.The Arsenal forward was handed an extended break following his inclusion in the England Under-21 squad, which took part at the European Championships back in June.Walcott only joined up with his team-mates when they returned from a training camp in Austria at the end of July.But Walcott has managed to prove his fitness and came on as a half-time substitute during Arsenal?s 2-0 defeat against Valencia on Saturday night. Despite his lack of games, Wenger is keen for his star forward to play a big part for England against Holland on Wednesday.Arsenal kick off the Premier League season against Everton next Saturday before facing a crucial Champions League qualifier against Celtic just a dew days later.Wenger will be praying Walcott is 100 per cent ready to start the new campaign and has no objections to Capello including him in the England squad.Wenger said: ?England play a friendly and Capello told me they would call him up so I am not surprised. He needs competition so if he plays it is good for us.?Meanwhile, Wenger is confident summer signing Thomas Vermaelen will be fit to face Everton in the opening Premier League game on Saturday.The Arsenal boss is already facing defensive worries after seeing his side lose their final pre-season game against Valencia.Vermaelen picked up a muscle problem against Hannover and has been forced to miss the last three games, raising major concerns over his availability for the start of the season.But the Arsenal boss is confident the former Ajax skipper will prove his fitness ahead of the big kick-off and give some much needed presence to the back four.Wenger said: ?He is very close. If we had wanted to take a gamble then we could have played him. He should be available for next weekend.?

Source: London_Paper