Walcott relishing England games

Arsenal youngster believes senior experience will help Under 21s

By Laura Slatcher   Last updated: 26th May 2008

Walcott Theo Wales U21 v Eng U21

Walcott: Under 21 hopes

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Theo Walcott hopes his experience with England's senior squad will benefit the Under 21s as they aim for the European Championship finals.

The Arsenal forward has been named in Fabio Capello's squad to face the United States and Trinidad and Tobago in friendlies this week.

But the 19-year-old still has his sights set on helping the Under 21s to glory in the European Championship in Sweden starting with the play-offs in October.

Opportunity

Unsurprisingly Walcott is relishing the challenge of playing at both levels but he insists it hands an advantage to Stuart Pearce's Under 21 side.

"It's just good to play really," Walcott told The Times. "Maybe the experience we get with the seniors will help with the Under 21s, because there's quite a few of us from the Under 21s in the seniors.

"Also, it gives us the opportunity to try to win the tournament as well, if there are senior squad players still young enough to play for the Under 21s who Stuart Pearce can call upon.

"We've still got to qualify but it'd be good to get the experience of winning a tournament under our belts."

Dream come true

Walcott concedes he may not start in this week's friendlies but maintains that his top priority is improving at club level.

His Arsenal starts have also been sparse with 14 appearances from the bench this season, something that Walcott hopes to increase.

"It'd be a dream come true, to play for England at Wembley this week," Walcott added.

"I know I probably won't start but hopefully I will do well. If I work hard and play well for Arsenal, then hopefully I'll get my chance and why not?"