Walcott Humbled As Capello Slims 30 to 23 Ready For South Africa

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott was the most notable emission from England manager Fabio Capello’s final 23 man squad for the national team’s forthcoming World Cup campaign. The young speed merchant has seemingly paid the price for some disappointing recent performances in England’s friendly matches against Mexico and Japan. During these recent fixtures Walcott’s critics had suggested that while he had shown some glimpses of his great pace and willingness to take on the full back, he had consistently failed to deliver crosses into the box of sufficient quality for an international footballer - and the player has indeed seemed to have made little real progress over the last year in which he has been plagued by injury and inconsistent form.

With the absence of Theo Walcott, Capello’s final 23 man squad does in retrospect seem to offer a greater degree of balance with the addition of Michael Carrick as cover for Capello’s preferred holding midfield player Gareth Barry - who was today himself passed fit after a great deal of scrutiny by the England physio team. Joe Cole also played himself back into contention with a fine second half against England’s most recent opponents Japan - and offers a greater level of big tournament experience on which the coach can draw. The final 23 man squad will now fly out to host nation South Africa carrying the hopes of the English people on their shoulders - and no doubt dreaming of being the first England side to reach a World Cup Final since the country hosted and won the famous tournament back in 1966. For those who have been left behind the pain they feel must be immense - but you would feel that Walcott at least at the tender age of just 21 will remain hopeful that his chance on football’s greatest stage is still yet to come.