Theo Gives Capello Food for Thought

Theo Walcott's performance against Barcelona was a timely reminder of his capabilities for Fabio Capello.

The England chief and his assistant Franco Baldini were at the Emirates on Wednesday and they must have been impressed by Walcott's 25-minute cameo role. The Arsenal winger, who has been badly out of form, looked like the player who destroyed Croatia with a hat-trick back in September 2008.

The 21-year-old looked a shoo-in for a place in Capello's World Cup squad after his heroics in Zagreb that night, but since then injuries have hampered his development and he has seen his confidence take a hit.

However, if you've ever wanted an example of an impact substitution then take a look at Theo's display in the second half against the Catalan giants. Walcott injected pace into the Gunners' forward line and his direct approach caused Barca real problems.

Arsenal looked dead and buried at 2-0 down, but Theo grabbed a goal back and made sure marauding full-back Maxwell was unable to get forward. Up until Walcott's arrival Maxwell had looked a class act, but Walcott worried him and the Brazilian could not cope with his raw pace.

Maxwell has not been capped, but he's got to be one of the best around without international honours, and there will be worse defenders in action in South Africa this summer. The World Cup 2010 online betting makes England third favourites and they will need strength in depth if they are to live up to expectations.

I'll admit I'm not a member of Walcott's fan club, but even I cannot not ignore the way he changed such a one-sided game. He looked international class once again and, after predicting Walcott won't be anywhere near South Africa this summer, I've now change tact and believe Capello will give Walcott a place in his 23-man squad.

Meanwhile, in horse racing news, the Grand National betting markets are really starting to hot up with Mon Mome and Big Fella Thanks contesting favouritism.