Theo Walcott has both the ability and character to bounce back from the disappointment of his England snub – and play in the World Cup finals next year.
That is the verdict of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as he prepares to make Walcott, 28, his captain for the clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park tomorrow night. Walcott was given the job against West Ham last Wednesday and scored in the 3-0 win.
He is ready to wear the armband again in the continued absence of the injured Laurent Koscielny.
Walcott – despite scoring 19 goals for the Gunners this season – was omitted by England manager Gareth Southgate for the recent matches against Germany and Lithuania.
“He is a guy who cares and wants to do well,” said Wenger. “He has a huge level of focus. And, from a wide position, he has scored 10 goals in the Premier League.
“He has improved his defensive commitment a lot and, on that front, he has improved tremendously.”
Explaining his choice of Walcott as captain, Wenger added: “I give him a little bit of priority, like I do with guys who know the Arsenal values, who are here for a long time. The loyalty, for me, plays a part in representing the club.
“I was surprised when he was dropped, but England have competition now.
“Going forward, you have a young generation, with Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford. Jack Wilshere was left out and Walcott. They are usually people who are always in there.
“But he has the quality to come back.
“If you look at his career, he can respond to disappointment. He was at the 2006 World Cup, but not at Brazil due to injury.
“But he can be at the next one.”