Walcott and the World Cup - Wenger hasn't said a word
Written by Mark Brus on Wednesday, June 9, 2010
It's over a week now since we found out that Theo Walcott wouldn't be going to the World Cup, and we've been hearing plenty about it, but, crucially, nothing from Arsène Wenger.
It's not like him to not immediately defend his players when they're down. I decided to investigate, and typed 'wenger walcott world cup' into Google to see what I could find.
10th June 2009: The Telegraph reported that Theo Walcott went against Wenger's wishes when he decided to play for Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 side in their European Championship last summer.
24th November 2009: Never the most reliable source, but the Daily Mail reported that Wenger 'blew up' after constant questioning about Walcott's World Cup place. To be honest, I recall this being a common theme throughout most of the season.
Clearly annoyed at talking about the World Cup in November, Wenger said: "The World Cup is in June. Is he on holiday until June 9? You cannot be serious! He is paid by Arsenal Football Club every week to perform – and well paid. Why should I worry what will happen at the World Cup? He doesn't even know if he will go."
On 22nd of February 2010, Wenger spoke about the immense pressure of the media spotlight on Theo, saying: "That's the modern media. When I played there was no television and no cameras were on Capello. Today everything is analysed on Match of the Day and then people will try to get Capello to analyse it."
On the 4th of May 2010, Wenger said it would be 'a blow' if Theo didn't make the World Cup squad, but seemed ready for it to happen.
And then of course on the 1st of June we got the news, but it seems Wenger isn't that interested. Is he concerned by the lack of improvement made? Is he fed up of the media circus that surrounds the young Englishman? Is this why he doesn't sign more English players? It's been another stressful season for the boss, and talking about an overrated English player and his World Cup chances in November is the last thing he wants. It might be worth the hype if the player were actually any good.
Walcott was ditched by Capello. Is he about to be ditched by Wenger?
User Comments
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Why should I worry what will happen at the World Cup? He doesn't even know if he will go.
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