Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Walcott named in U21 Euro squad

Theo Walcott
Walcott was out for four months after injuring himself while with England

Theo Walcott is included in the England Under-21 squad for next month's European Championships, despite the fears of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Walcott, 20, who is also in the senior squad for World Cup qualifiers, could suffer burnout, Wenger has warned.

He says the winger will only have one week's rest before pre-season begins if England win the Under-21 tournament.

Walcott was out for four months this season after injuring himself on international duty last year.

His inclusion in the 23-man squad for the competition in Sweden is seen as a victory for England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce, who has pushed for the inclusion of players eligible for the senior squad.

I've every confidence in this squad. We're looking forward to competing with the best

Stuart Pearce

Earlier this week Wenger said Walcott should not play for both the seniors and Under-21s this summer.

"I have let the Football Association know that he shouldn't play in both national teams during the holiday period," said the Arsenal boss.

"The basic problem, is can you use a player for two different national teams during the holiday period?"

Walcott injured his shoulder in a training session before England's friendly win over Germany last November and was out for four months, much to the anger of Wenger.

The winger had scored a hat-trick for the senior side in a World Cup qualifier in Croatia two months earlier.

The Under-21 squad includes Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who have also featured in the senior team.

Pearce said: "I have every confidence in this squad. We are really looking forward to competing with the best under-21 teams in Europe, and hopefully, doing our country proud with our performances. It should be a fantastic tournament."

England Under-21 squad: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Joe Lewis (Peterborough), Scott Loach (Watford); Martin Cranie (Portsmouth), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea), Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), James Tomkins (West Ham); Lee Cattermole (Wigan), Andrew Driver (Hearts), Craig Gardner (Aston Villa), Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough), James Milner (Aston Villa), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton), Mark Noble (West Ham), Jack Rodwell (Everton); Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Frazier Campbell (Manchester United), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

ะพ 10:07 AM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)