Since the beginning of September, Theo Walcott has played up front for Arsenal.
After four goals and three assists (he’s been directly involved in a goal every 62 minutes) the doubts that he can play there are waning.
He didn’t score in Sunday’s 3-0 demolition of Manchester united but did set up Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez, in what was possibly the most rounded performance of the Englishman’s career. Now the aim is to take that form on international duty with him.
While Walcott was winning the ball back and causing nightmares for Manchester United with his movement, Wayne Rooney was on the other team. The England captain was static and so poor you could even suggest he was disinterested. He’s a doubt for England’s games against Estonia and Lithuania, so Walcott could be given the chance to impress in his place.
“Being Wayne he always wants to represent his country,” the Arsenal striker told the media on Wednesday. “If he can’t – and he’s obviously got a little knock – the manager will make the decision.
“Playing up front for England, that’s what I want to do. You want to represent your country and I know everyone would like to see me up front but whether it’s on the left or right … there’s an opportunity there definitely.”
.@theowalcott: The next stage for me is to bring my @Arsenal form into @england #ENGvEST
— England (@england) October 7, 2015
To date, Walcott only has seven goals for his country. It’s not a good enough return from 41 appearances, and is helped by the two goals he scored against San Marino in his last game for England.
Fingers crossed he returns to Arsenal after a successful break with England and confidence high. A fit and firing Theo Walcott will be good for club and country.