Walcott confident of place

Winger annoyed by injury-plagued season with Gunners

Last updated: 9th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Walcott confident of place

Walcott: Focused on form

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Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is confident he will earn a place in England's World Cup squad if he produces the required performances at club level.

The 20-year-old has been slammed for his poor form in an injury-hit season and former Three Lions ace Chris Waddle has suggested the youngster 'doesn't understand the game'.

But Walcott hit back with a convincing display against Burnley on Saturday and achieved critical acclaim for the Premier League outing.

Ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg clash with Porto, the former Southampton star is determined to continue to play at the peak level as the countdown to June's World Cup kick-off continues.

"If I perform for Arsenal, that will get me on the plane. Simple as that. There is time yet," Walcott said in the Daily Telegraph.

The forward famously hit a hat-trick against Croatia in September 2008, but he has been ravaged by injury since that time and it has been an annoying period.

Frustrating

"It has been very frustrating," Walcott added. "Everything had gone so well before. Then suddenly this stop-start.

"I've missed pretty much all the season. I've had great support around me, but when it's not going your way it just doesn't seem to happen for you."

He added: "I wouldn't say it has been a wasted season, no. Part of the experience of football is about how you cope with injury. Name one major footballer who hasn't suffered.

"You need to remember (what happened) and come out stronger.

"I feel I'm like a new player for Arsenal, coming in at the right time to give the manager some choices. And I'm getting the final product back.

"The thing is you can't show how much you have developed when you are injured. It takes time to get the confidence and fitness back, then you can show what you can do fully.

"But I'm not even thinking about England at the moment. I'm just focused on trying to get back into starting for a winning team at Arsenal."