Arsenal (7/1 to win the Premier League) winger Theo Walcott has revealed that he cried after Fabio Capello gave him the shock news that he would not go to the World Cup in South Africa.
The former Southampton youngster looked like he was set to make the 23-man squad that went to the biggest tournament in the world after featuring in all England’s pre-tournament friendly games.
However Walcott was the surprise omission from the side as seven players were cut from the initial 30-man squad picked by Capello.
The Italian manager decided to take midfielders Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joe Cole and James Milner who all featured in the Three Lions tournament which ultimately ended in disappointment.
After drawing their opening two games of the competition against the USA and Algeria they scrapped past Slovenia, only to be thrashed 4-1 in the knockout stage against old rivals Germany.
Walcott will have watched on as England under-achieved in South Africa and has recently explained how he received the news that he would not play in the tournament.
He said: “He (Capello) just said, ‘I’m sorry. I’m not going to bring you to South Africa, but I’ll see you in 2012 for the Euros.
“I didn’t know what to say at all. He said, ‘have a good break and good luck. I’ll see you soon’. I wished him all the best.
“There are always disappointments in football, this was my biggest one yet.
“Actually, I did have a tear to be fair with my cousin and my mate,? he added.
The 21-year-old only started 12 Premier League games for the Gunners (7/1 to win the FA Cup) last season as he struggled to hit top form after recovering from injury.
Walcott was just finding a regular place in the side before the end of the regular season when Capello was deciding who to take to the World Cup.
However it seemed to be too soon for Walcott who believes he stands in a better position now after fully recovering from injury.
He said: “The full pre-season will definitely help. It was an on-off season last season and it’s difficult to come back from that. I would just get back and I’d get another injury.
“This year I’m just going to get out there and show people what I can do. It’s all I can do really.”
Walcott has been left out of the England under-21 squad which suggests Capello already has the paceman in his plans for the qualification matches for the 2012 European Championships.
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