Walcott: I didn't deserve to go to the World Cup

Striker Theo Walcott says that he only has himself to blame for not making the grade for England manager Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

Walcott was a surprise ommission, having been selected for all of the games leading up to the tournament, but surprisingly dropped from the final squad.

The 23-year-old striker, who has been in fine form for Arsenal, scoring 4 league goals already this season, says that he didn't do enough to warrant a place on the plane to South Africa.

Walcott said: "I couldn't point the finger at Mr Capello or anyone. I had to blame myself because the form wasn't there at the end of the season and I just want to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"I didn't deserve to go to the 2006 World Cup. I hadn't played in the Premier League and hadn't justified being there at all.

"This time, well, the form wasn't there. I was trying to be there and I had a feeling I could be there, but I had to look at myself and go and prove people wrong on the pitch.

"I didn't have the best season - I had so many injuries. But I'm a bit more mature now. I'm looking after myself a bit better and I'm staying behind after training, just trying to improve myself."

User Comments

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea