Theo is Sven's secret weapon

Sven Goran Eriksson says Theo Walcott will be an unknown quantity for England.

The Swede stunned world football by including the 17-year-old in his 23 to travel to Germany, despite the fact that the former Southampton forward has never played a Premiership game.

With fitness doubts over Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, and with Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent left disappointed, it was a massive and uncharacteristic gamble from the England boss.

However Eriksson says Walcott will be an unknown quantity to the other coaches on the world stage, and as a result he will surprise a number of people - not least because of his lightning pace.

"I might be the only one with tapes. The other managers will have to find out about him," said Eriksson.

"He will be someone they have never met before, they never saw him play football.

"They have probably heard that he's quick but when they see it they won't believe he is that quick."

Recalling the moment he told international coaches Steve McClaren and Sammy Lee of his decision to include Walcott, who has now been unexpectedly thrust into the public eye, Eriksson revealed how they were left speechless.

"There was silence at the other end," Eriksson added.

"Sammy and Steve can't say anything because they have never seen him play.

"If you only have to take 14 players, I wouldn't have done it but you take 23 and a standby list so why not?

"I think everyone is looking forward to it because it's something fresh."

Whilst Walcott's inclusion was the major talking point of Eriksson's selection, wingers Stewart Downing and Aaron Lennon both made it in despite a combined total of one cap between them.

The Swede is clearly looking to harness the speed of the young trio should England struggle in Germany, and he admits that Downing and Lennon, in particular, secured their places due to their performances over the past few months.

"They might never start a World Cup match. You don't know.

"But to have the option of pace whenever you need it, maybe in the second half when it's 0-0 or you're losing 1-0, it is the perfect option.

"I thought the World Cup had come too soon for Lennon but the last two months have made me change my mind.

"Downing and Lennon in the past have not been at the level they are today.

"They made me change my mind when I went to see them.

"The real senior players who have been in there for a long time are curious to see Downing and Lennon. And to see this young boy of course."