Post by don on May 11, 2006 21:49:01 GMT
Arsene Wenger believes teenage star Theo Walcott can be a real weapon for England at this summer's World Cup finals.
England coach Sven Goran Eriksson shocked world football when selecting untried Arsenal kid Walcott in his World Cup squad this week.
Wenger has yet to hand Walcott a taste of Premiership action since signing him from Southampton in January, but the Frenchman still believes the 17-year-old can shine on the big stage.
"I wouldn't want England to rely on Theo Walcott to win it but he can certainly make a difference," said the Gunners chief. "I think he will maybe start in a game.
"He will certainly be on the bench and he will come on when England don't manage to score.
"On one side I wish he doesn't come on too much because that will mean England are doing well but he will be an interesting weapon when they are not."
Wenger believes Walcott travelling to Germany can only benefit Arsenal.
The Frenchman said: "The World Cup can only make him better and more motivated to achieve.
"He is going into a world where he will learn the good habits of the top players.
"He will have to cope with pressure and disappointment.
"He will pick up the things he needs to be a top-level player.
"The weak get weaker and the strong get stronger."
England coach Sven Goran Eriksson shocked world football when selecting untried Arsenal kid Walcott in his World Cup squad this week.
Wenger has yet to hand Walcott a taste of Premiership action since signing him from Southampton in January, but the Frenchman still believes the 17-year-old can shine on the big stage.
"I wouldn't want England to rely on Theo Walcott to win it but he can certainly make a difference," said the Gunners chief. "I think he will maybe start in a game.
"He will certainly be on the bench and he will come on when England don't manage to score.
"On one side I wish he doesn't come on too much because that will mean England are doing well but he will be an interesting weapon when they are not."
Wenger believes Walcott travelling to Germany can only benefit Arsenal.
The Frenchman said: "The World Cup can only make him better and more motivated to achieve.
"He is going into a world where he will learn the good habits of the top players.
"He will have to cope with pressure and disappointment.
"He will pick up the things he needs to be a top-level player.
"The weak get weaker and the strong get stronger."
Is the guy just taking the piss now or what?
He thinks he can make a difference..... someone should ask him why the hell hasn't he ever played for the Arse then.
