Ouch: Theo Walcott was a shock omission from the England squadTheo Walcott was axed by Fabio Capello for failing to follow orders in the wake of a public dressing down from the England manager.
Having been the stunning inclusion for the World Cup in Germany four years ago, Walcott was yesterday the shock omission when Capello named his 23-man squad for South Africa.
The Italian is thought to have lost patience with the Arsenal winger after he failed to respond to instructions he was given when the players sat through a DVD of last week’s friendly against Mexico.
To the astonishment of the other squad members, Walcott was singled out for scathing criticism from Capello for the way he played against the Mexicans.
Capello, it is understood, wanted the 21-year-old to attack his full back on the outside and then cross, but too often he turned inside and lost possession.
When Walcott then did the same against Japan, Capello decided he had no choice but to opt for Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright- Phillips as his quick wide men.
Both were more impressive in Graz on Sunday, Capello even ignoring a slight concern over Lennon’s troublesome groin. The average age of the squad of 28.7 years is the highest in England history, beating the 28.4 average in 1954.
It is also the most experienced, with a total of 900 caps at an average of 39.1. The squad at Italia 90 had 32.2 caps each on average.
Poor form: Theo Walcott was unimpressive in the friendlies against Mexico and JapanWalcott, who was playing golf when he received the news from Capello, was said to be distraught last night, having started for the Italian every time he was available.
Family and friends had already booked flights and accommodation to support him and the side in South Africa.
Walcott said: ‘He (Capello) said he was sorry but I hadn’t made the squad and I wouldn't be going to the World Cup.
‘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 Championships in 2012 and that was it, really.
Hazard ahead: Theo Walcott was playing a round of golf when Capello came calling'It's hard for me to take just like it's hard for everyone who missed out. 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.
'There's no point me sulking about it. I've just got to get on with it.
‘I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad but completely respect Mr Capello’s decision. I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they have a really successful tournament.’
Stephen Warnock, as Sportsmail predicted yesterday, was the shock inclusion in the 23-man squad that will fly with Capello to South Africa tonight.
The Aston Villa left back has played just six minutes for England, against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2007. He took no part in the warm-up games against Mexico and Japan, but he goes ahead of Everton’s Leighton Baines as understudy to Ashley Cole.
Last night, Capello submitted his party to FIFA with squad numbers, to be published by the world governing body on June 4. David James, as predicted on these pages yesterday, gets the No 1 jersey, though FA insiders said it was more ‘out of respect’ to the 39- year-old than a clue as to which goalkeeper would start against the USA on Saturday week.
It seems some players were offered the chance to choose their numbers. There was also a suggestion Peter Crouch may yet be included in the first XI.
source: dailymail
