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What now for Walcott?
- Updated: May 16, 2016
He was in England’s World Cup squad in 2006 but 10 years on and supposed to be in his prime, Theo Walcott will not be going to Euro 2016. Time is running out for the Arsenal man to fulfil expectations but his career is a difficult one to assess, writes Adam Bate…
It’s a decade since Theo Walcott, England’s player-tourist, wandered through Baden-Baden armed with a video camera. Having not even played a game for Arsenal following his January move from Southampton, he was predictably given only a watching brief at the 2006 World Cup. But Sven-Goran Eriksson still departed with a promise.
“You’ll see that benefit in the next World Cup and then people will be sending me flowers,” said Eriksson. Instead, Fabio Capello didn’t even take Walcott to South Africa. Four years later, an anterior cruciate ligament injury made the choice for Roy Hodgson. Walcott won’t be at Euro 2016 either and will be into his 30th year by the time of the next World Cup.
Where has the time gone? Walcott’s career feels like it’s been on the cusp of reaching the summit of its potential for years now. And yet, could he instead find himself on the downslope without even realising it? At 27, it’s both a possibility and a shame. Because for all the criticism that’s accumulated over the seasons, Walcott’s talent is real.
His Arsenal career began as a replacement for Freddie Ljungberg in the first ever Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium. Walcott even provided an assist for Gilberto Silva’s equaliser that day. It’s over nine years since he opened the scoring in the 2007 League Cup final but the wait for true acceptance with club or country continues.
Consider, for example, the fact that Walcott is already the longest-serving player on Arsenal’s payroll. He has spent more time at the club than either Ian Wright or Thierry Henry, but opinion is still divided. Walcott is a player who leaves fans wanting more, while still offering enough to leave them making the trek down the Holloway Road with hope.
In some ways, the arc of his Arsenal career can be summed up by two derbies. The first came in February 2012. The Gunners were two goals down and Walcott was struggling more than most. Targeted by the home fans, he responded with a brace as Arsenal recovered …
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