Theo Walcott faces a fight on all fronts.

From getting back into the Arsenal starting lineup to reclaiming his England place, he will even be fighting to get the payrise he thinks he deserves, although you’d be hard pushed to find many who agree with him on that front.

It’s been 18 months since Theo started a game for England but, of course, he spent a large portion of that time sidelined with a cruciate knee injury.

Since his return, he has struggled to get back in the Arsenal lineup, Arsene Wenger often preferring Danny Welbeck or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of him and when has has been given some minutes his confidence has clearly been affected by the selection problems and his injury.

On international duty with England at the minute, he could well receive the long-awaited start against Italy on Tuesday night due to the number of injuries that have hit the England camp. Both Raheem Sterling and Danny Welbeck have both returned to their clubs, although the former, struggling with a toe injury, is expected to be fit to face Arsenal on Saturday.

“Bring it on,” Walcott commented. “Competition is always going to be there anyway. I’ve been there from 17-years-old and I’ve manage to get through it now and then.

“Competition is healthy. We want as a nation for all the players to be playing well. It’s only going to spur you on and make you a better player.”

As we witnessed during his last contract negotiations, the pacey wide man was spurred on by his desire for more money to play centrally and delivered a stunning run of form which helped the club bend to his demands.

Helped in no small part by the departure of Robin van Persie, Theo got his way last time.

Things may not be quite so straightforward this time around.