Terry calls for Theo caution

England captain keen to protect exciting youngster

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 7th October 2008

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England captain John Terry has urged the nation not to place too much pressure on Theo Walcott.

The Arsenal winger has been a revelation this season, establishing himself as a first team regular with the Gunners and the national side.

A number of mature performances in the Premier League have drawn comparisons with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, while a hat-trick for England against Croatia has seen him hailed as the heir to David Beckham's throne on the right flank.

However, at just 19-years-old, there is still room for improvement and Terry believes the youngster must be given time to fulfil his true potential.

Exciting

"The lads all said that Theo came out of his shell a bit on the last trip with England (to Croatia)," the Chelsea defender said in The Sun.

"But let's not put too much pressure on him. He is an exciting talent and a really good player for the future and for this campaign.

"But we must not start saying it is all down to him and that he is the only way forward.

"We have the likes of Theo, Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole.

"Let's tell them all to play their normal game like they are back in the playground.

"At the World Cup two years ago, everyone was looking at Theo. But he didn't get his chance.

"Everyone gets on the edge of their seat with him. He causes lots of problems. Arsene Wenger can look after him well enough when he is with Arsenal, when he comes away with England we don't want to put too much pressure on him."

Frustrated

Walcott and England are set for a 2010 World Cup qualifying showdown with Kazakhstan at Wembley on Saturday, before travelling to Belarus four days later.

Terry acknowledges that it is crucial the Three Lions build on their impressive start to the campaign and has called on the country to get behind the players in the forthcoming fixtures.

"We need the fans behind us and we understand they have been frustrated in the past," he said.

"We cannot forget that they pay a lot of money to watch us - not only at Wembley but all over the world as well."