Sven: Walcott a gamble

Sven Goran Eriksson accepts it is a gamble taking Theo Walcott to the World Cup.

Sven Goran Eriksson accepts it is a gamble picking Theo Walcott and only decided to select the Arsenal teenager for England's World Cup squad on Monday.

Walcott was the surprise inclusion in Eriksson's provisional 23-man squad for next month's tournament, despite the 17-year-old still to make his Premiership debut.

Eriksson concedes it is a risk taking Walcott, particularly as the former Southampton starlet is one of just four strikers - the others being Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Peter Crouch.

"Finally, this morning," said Eriksson on Sky Sports News in response to being asked when he decided to pick Walcott. "I thought a lot about it during the last month and today.

"It is a gamble, of course, it's a gamble I can't deny. It's a nice one. I think he's a great talent.

"The pace he has is incredible, so why not take one gamble?"

Doubts surround the fitness of Owen and Rooney, but Eriksson hopes to have both players available, with Joe Cole pencilled in to provide attacking support.

He added: "Owen, I think will be fully fit to train 100 percent with us from Monday.

"Rooney, it's just wait and hope and see. I don't know exactly when he's doing his next scan, but before that there'll be nothing new.

"If you look at the list, Joe Cole is a striker as well. In reality we have seven defenders and you can say nine midfielders or five strikers. It depends how you use Cole. He will probably be used both ways."

Walcott's inclusion in England's squad for the tournament is at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur hit-man Jermain Defoe, who is on stand-by, and Charlton Athletic striker Darren Bent.

Eriksson has explained his decision to the disappointed duo and accepts there is no logical reason why Walcott should be chosen ahead of Defoe and Bent.

He added: "It's probably not logical, but sometimes you do it by feelings as well. I'm excited about Walcott. I can't wait to start working with him.

"I have spoken to all the stand-by players and to all those other players who hoped to be picked like Bent, [Phil] Neville, Wes Brown.

"I don't know how many we spoke to today, but a lot of players. Of course, they are disappointed. I'm disappointed as well I can't take more than 23 plus stand-by players.

"When I pick the squad, of course, I try and see what they can do for us at the World Cup. Are they in good shape or not? I have to take the decision and explain it to the players. They are disappointed, but they took it as men."

Ledley King has also been left out of the squad, as he recovers from a broken foot, and Eriksson attempted to justify his decision, despite the Tottenham captain being ahead of Rooney in his recovery from a similar injury.

The Swede continued: "You ask me about King, he's injured. He can't train, he started cycling today.

"If you talk about centre halves, we're very well covered. Taking one half injured when we have so many good centre halves, I don't think it's a good idea.

"It's different with Rooney, of course.

"When you talk about injured players, they must be in the squad until we know for sure they can't play.

"Let's hope that never happens, but I would be absolutely crazy if I didn't pick Rooney when we still think it's possible he can play in the World Cup.

"I could never justify that to England's fans."

Spurs teenager Aaron Lennon edged into the squad ahead of Chelsea's Shaun Wright-Phillips, while Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing was also selected in the provisional 23.

He said: "Both Downing and Lennon are in great shape at this moment. Downing has a very good left foot, Lennon is a good crosser, he beats people, so I'm excited and looking forward to it very much.

"I think the players I have here are the best for the moment - that's why he's not on the list (Shaun Wright-Phillips).

"The line-up against Paraguay is not decided yet. Of course they might have more freedom [in midfield].

"Lennon has pace, beats people and is a good crosser. He is a very interesting player.

"I think during the last two to three months he has really started to play good football.

"Every time we went to see him, I had good reports during the last two-and-a-half months, so that's why. He's in very good shape - that's important."