Theo Walcott realises that he needs more game time with Arsenal if he’s going to have any hope of getting picked for the World Cup next year and is working hard to get it.

Theo admits that it’s hard not getting picked for the England team but realises that he needs more game time for the Gunners before that can potentially happen.

“That is why I need to be playing football, simple as that. But I need to deserve to be playing,” said the forward.

“So in this competition, cup games, Premier League when given the chance, I need to take it. That is the only chance I have to get back into the England squad.

“It is down to hard work. If I work harder than anyone else… I know my qualities, how good I am. I have got so much experience under my belt, there’s no reason why I can’t prove people wrong and get back in that squad. It is a very young squad and I feel like maybe a bit of experience is always handy coming into tournaments. But the manager picks that.

“As a player, you need to be doing it on the field first and foremost. That’s what I want to do. We’ll see where my football takes me.”

Theo hasn’t played for England since November 2016 when he got 31 minutes in a friendly against Spain before getting injured.

Since, the 28-year-old hasn’t been called up and this must be taking its toll. The forward has been capped 47 times for the Three Lions since his debut in 2006 and used to be a regular.

However, it doesn’t look as if this is going to change. The forward is really struggling for game time this season and is yet to make a start in the Premier League. He’s played in all three Europa League matches, scoring twice and assisting once, but will this be enough?

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/921280542083092480

Theo had another strange game against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night. Although he got into the right positions, provided a lovely assist for Olivier Giroud’s goal, completed five dribbles and put through three key passes, he was still pretty bad.

But that’s why Theo can be so important. Even when he plays badly, he still manages to help the team in some way.