SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

With Rooney injured, Walcott eyes England striker role

The Manchester United and England captain is a major doubt for the Euro 2016 qualifier after missing two training sessions, with England manager Roy Hodgson reportedly set to name Gary Cahill skipper if Rooney misses the game.

With Rooney injured, Walcott eyes England striker role
(Reuters)

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters


Skip to article content

Hodgson has used Walcott mostly on the right for England, but the 26-year-old has impressed in a central role for his club this season and has admitted that is where he wants to play for the national team as well.

"I know everyone would like to see me up front," Walcott told reporters before the Estonia game.

"Playing there for England, that's what I want to do."

England qualified for next year's finals in France with a 6-0 victory in San Marino on Sept. 5 and have won all eight of their qualifiers so far.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Walcott, who grabbed a brace in the San Marino game and has 12 goals in his last 14 Premier League starts, revealed that his improved form was down to advice from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and former team mate Thierry Henry, who is back at the club in a coaching role.

"He (Wenger) asked if I could be more aggressive on the pitch," Walcott said.

"I actually said (to Wenger), 'Do you want me to start kicking people?' That was my first reaction. He said, 'No, I'm not saying that.'

"Again he wanted me to be more aggressive in terms of running at players, closing them down, tracking back, being there and in their faces," Walcott added.

The striker also said Henry has been a key factor in his improvement.

"I have been chatting to him on a personal level behind the scenes as well to learn things from him," Walcott said.

"It is a great tool to have in the locker ... I've had quite a few words with him about some of the games I've played.

"He has just given me his analysis and if I've needed to ask him some questions about it, he's always there," he added.

(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; editing by Amlan Chakraborty)


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world