|
|
|
 |
 |
| Walcott felt he deserved place |
 |
Theo Walcott says he felt he deserved his place in England's final 23-man squad but says he has been reassured he is still in Fabio Capello's plans for the future.
Darren Bent, Adam Johnson, Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone, Michael Dawson and Leighton Baines were all told they had missed out on a place in South Africa on Tuesday, but it was Walcott's omission that provided the biggest shock.
Several newspapers report that Walcott was left out after failing to follow Capello's instructions to stay wide and beat his man on the outside in the last two friendlies, with his mistakes frustrating the coach during a DVD review of the matches, but the Arsenal man feels he had warranted a place.
"[Capello] said he was sorry but I hadn't made the squad and I wouldn't be going to the World Cup," he told the Daily Mirror. "I wanted to ask him why but I didn't get the chance.
"He said I would be a big part of his plans for the European Championship in 2012 and that was it, really. It's hard for me to take just like it's hard for everyone who missed out today. It's out of my control. There's nothing I can do about it now.
"At the last World Cup, I was in the squad but I didn't get the chance to appear at all. This time, I thought I'd play a proper part.
"I thought I deserved my place. I respect Mr Capello's decision, of course. There's no point me sulking about it. I've just got to get on with it.
"I'm very disappointed but I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they have a really successful tournament."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
