The Independent today reported on something that happened the last time England joined up for training, an unseen goal that probably ensured Theo Walcott’s place in the starting line-up.

It went like this:
“He received the pass on the right, taking a precise touch to help the ball run across his body. The first defender sought to show him down the line, where there was cover, and he dropped a shoulder as if to follow, but then Theo Walcott twisted and came inside. He weaved past Jimmy Bullard and David Bentley but looked to be drifting too far across the midfield when he suddenly turned, spun and darted through a gap for goal. Paul Robinson came out to narrow the angle but Walcott drove the ball past him.

Training seemed to stop for a moment as the England players absorbed the quality of the goal. Some applauded. It was only a practice match, but all the same. As one player later told me: “It was the speed of his feet, he’s just so quick with the ball.”

Hopefully Theo has another great performance today against Kazakhstan

Theo Walcott has been named in the England Squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Michael Owen misses out despite returning to fitness and scoring 5 goals this season.

England squad: James (Portsmouth), Green (West Ham), Carson (West Brom); Brown (Manchester United), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Lescott (Everton), Upson (West Ham), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea); Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Walcott (Arsenal), Barry (Aston Villa), Jenas (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City); Heskey (Wigan), Crouch (Portsmouth), Rooney (Manchester United), Defoe (Portsmouth).

Arsenal were lucky to rescue a point today against the very defensive Sunderland.

Just after half time Arsenal thought they had opened the scoring, but Robin Van Persie’s effort was ruled out as Theo Walcott’s cross was judged to have gone out of play for a goal kick.

Cesc Fabregas rescued a point for the Gunners after Grant Leadbitter had put Sunderland ahead.

It’s the second weekend Arsenal have failed to win and take top spot in the Premiership.

Stuart Pearce’s request for Theo to join up with the U21’s left Fabio Capello laughing, maybe it was because Pearce asked straight after Theo had completed his hat-trick against Croatia.

Fortunately Theo will be unavailable for the U21’s as England have qualification games against Kazakhstan and Belarus and is sure to be selected for the senior squad after his exploits against Croatia.

Another chance to see Theo Walcott’s hat-tick for England against Croatia, plus Theo’s post match interview

Theo Walccot is in the starting line-up today against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park……

Fancy seeing where Theo plys his trade? then why not take an Emirates Stadium Tour, home of Arsenal FC.

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Theo Walcott started again for England in their second World Cup qualifying game away to Croatia.

Theo scores for England as they go 1-0 up  mid-way through the first half and furthers England’s lead with his second goal on 58 minutes.

Wayne Rooney puts England 3-0 up before Croatia pull a goal back, then on 82 minutes the amazing Theo Walcott scores England’s 4th goal and completes his hat-trick to cap a remarkable night for him and England

THEO WALCOTT got on the scoresheet and Carlos Vela made his Arsenal debut as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Hungarian side Szombathelyi Haladas in the first match of their Austrian tour.

Mexican Vela started alongside Nicklas Bendtner up front, while Walcott dropped into midfield.

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From the start of the 2008/09 season Theo Walcott will wear the number 14 shirt, previously worn by Thierry Henry