Walcott ready to deliver

Forward feeling 'confident' after first international start

Last updated: 8th September 2008

Theo Walcott Andorra England World Cup Qualifier

Walcott: Enjoying international life

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Theo Walcott feels he is now ready to make his mark at international level with England.

The Arsenal forward was infamously selected by former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson for the 2006 World Cup, but did not feature in Germany.

Walcott, though, earned his first England start on Saturday as Fabio Capello's side began their qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup with a victory over Andorra.

And, ahead of Wednesday's trip to Croatia, 19-year-old Walcott believes he is now well prepared to become an England regular.

Experience

"I'm training well and when you are training well your confidence flows and it's just instinct really," said Walcott.

"I feel great. I'm buzzing at the moment. I'm flying. I'm looking forward to it. I just can't wait for Wednesday.

"I've had a lot of experience at senior level and not had that opportunity to play. This time the boss gave me the opportunity and it was brilliant.

"When I come off the bench I've played a lot on the wing so have a grasp on that position.

"I got battered but I always get battered. I'm used to it now and it doesn't bother me at all. I want to keep performing well now."