Theo Walcott is relishing the prospect of lining up for England against Croatia on Wednesday.
Youngster hoping to keep England place
Theo Walcott is relishing the prospect of lining up for England against Croatia on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old was handed his first senior start against Andorra on Saturday as the Three Lions got their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign under way.
A lacklustre 2-0 win against the European minnows hardly inspired confidence, but the Arsenal man was one of few to emerge with their reputations enhanced.
He looked lively on the right wing and feels he could do a similar job in Zagreb in midweek.
That would mean keeping David Beckham on the bench, but Walcott insists he is up to the challenge.
Pressure
"A lot of young players have no fear, there are no pressures on them and they can go out and enjoy it," he said.
"David came to me and told me to enjoy it and to play my football, then I'd be fine. That's true of a lot of young players.
"I've had a lot of experience at England level now, I haven't played as much as I'd wanted to. I've had a lot of experience at Arsenal too and dealt with pressure.
"The main thing is to concentrate on your own performance within the team and you're fine with pressure."
Walcott famously made Sven Goran Eriksson's squad for the 2006 World Cup, without being used at the tournament, and is determined to experience another major international competition.
"The main thing is Wednesday now and getting the right result, if we do hopefully we'll be there," he said.
"The qualification is totally different to the World Cup itself.
"I had a brilliant experience when I was there, I know the set-up of England and how it all works.
"Even though the manager has changed and it has been fairly different, I know all the lads which definitely helps - to see the faces I saw at the World Cup.
"There is a lot of bonding and togetherness in the team. We just want to show everyone we're going to do well."
Involved
Having missed out on the 2006 UEFA Champions League final with the Gunners, Walcott accepts the Croatia game will be the biggest of his career to date.
"It will be another big experience for me if I'm involved," he said.
"I wasn't there in the Champions League final but I watched it on TV. Hopefully if I train well I'll be there.
"I give England a different aspect to the game, getting in behind defenders.
"It was very difficult the other day against Andorra because they were so deep. On Wednesday it will be a totally different game, more football involved, playing the counter-attack suits my game."
