Giorgio Chiellini believes that Theo Walcott makes a massive difference to England.

The Italian defender, who currently plays for Juventus, has picked out the Arsenal winger as the man who ‘terrifies’ defences and is missed by England when he doesn’t play.

Speaking ahead of the friendly between Italy and England in Turin on Tuesday, Chiellini said “I am always a fan of Walcott, a quick sprinter and terrifying for defenders”.

He continued “England notice his absence. For the world of football, it is positive that Walcott recuperates totally to his top level.”

Theo hasn’t started for England for more than 18 months due to his injury problems and given his current form for Arsenal since his return from the knee injury which kept him sidelined for 12 months you wouldn’t bet on that changing at the Juventus Stadium.

With contract negotiations both under way (according to Arsene Wenger) and not yet started (according to Walcott) it looks like his future at Arsenal could dominate any narrative rather than his form.

That being said, when he was playing for a new deal the last time, he was simply unplayable and a turn of form like that would certainly do his wage demands this time around no harm.

It wouldn’t hurt Arsenal’s chase for second place either.