The former England international admits he should not have been selected for the World Cup as he had never played in the Premier League at the time.
Theo Walcott (right) making his England debut in 2006 (Image: Getty Images)
Former Arsenal and England forward Theo Walcott says he “shouldn’t have gone” to the 2006 World Cup after receiving a surprise call-up from Sven-Goran Eriksson. Walcott, then 17, was selected in Eriksson’s squad for the tournament in Germany, despite having never played a game for the Gunners.
Walcott signed for Arsenal from Southampton in January 2006 for £12 million, but had to wait until the start of the following season to make his debut. The 1989-born attacker made his professional debut and began his career with the Saints, making 23 appearances and scoring five goals.
There was a feeling of excitement about Walcott’s potential and Eriksson decided to offer him a chance in England’s World Cup squad despite his young age and lack of experience at the top level.
At the time, Walcott had the chance to represent his country on the biggest stage, but now believes it was “too much, too soon” and that he should never have been called up by Eriksson.
Walcott told the Daily Mail: “It was too soon for me. You just turned 17 and you just moved from Southampton to Arsenal in the Championship. You haven’t played in the Premier League yet. You’re only 17.”
“As you get older and become an adult and have more responsibilities and have children of your own, I look at it now and think, ‘Where was that protective aspect?’
“For me, no, I wish I hadn’t gone. Big Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole took care of me. I met them both recently and I thanked them because I didn’t understand what they were doing for me at the time.”
Theo Walcott did not play for England at the 2006 World Cup (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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As well as dealing with the pressure of becoming England’s youngest ever player to play in the World Cup, Walcott also had to contend with the paparazzi following his call-up. Photographers spent the night parked outside his parents’ home in the village of Compton, Berkshire.
But neighbors tried to move their cars and trap one photographer so he wouldn’t be able to take pictures of Mr Wolcott and his then-girlfriend, now wife, Mel.
“They blocked his car from entering, but threatened to run him over if he didn’t get in the way of taking pictures,” Walcott said. “Just to take pictures. Putting people in danger. Grown men chasing boys and girls. If I say it out loud now, you’ll think, ‘Wow, it was okay.’ It was scary, and it happened every day.”
In the end, Walcott didn’t play a single minute for England at the 2006 World Cup, and Eriksson decided not to give the teenager a big fee after an impressive start to his career.
“It was very different back then,” Walcott continued. “I had to deal with the paparazzi side. Now they have the social media side and you can’t escape from that. This is in the palm of your hand every minute.”
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