Pearce predicts a bright future for Walcott and defends his selection for the recently concluded tournament

Theo Walcott was selected by Stuard Pearce for England U-21s for their European Championships despite insistence from Arsene Wenger to give him a rest. The U-21s manager now explains his decision and predicts a bright future for the young Englishman despite an average tournament.

“There was some contention over Theo’s inclusion but I think the experience will help him in South Africa without a doubt. Hopefully he can now walk out in South Africa in a year’s time with this experience.

“He’ll know what it’s like to take a penalty in a penalty shoot-out, he knows what it’s like to play in sudden-death matches and in a major final.

“Theo knows what its like to be involved in tournament football now. He has been to the World Cup with the seniors but he never actually played.

“It’s important that he didn’t get caught in noman’s land in international football where he didn’t get any experience.

“I would be very excited about Theo. The future is very rosy for him.”