2010 FIFA World Cup: Theo Walcott Pays Ultimate Price For a Season Of Mediocrity
Fabio Capello has wielded the axe by dropping Theo Walcott from England's World Cup squad.
The Arsenal winger has had a stop-start time of late, but it was thought that his recent place at the top of the pecking order on the right hand side of midfield would usher him safely onto the plane.
However, Capello has instead opted for the experience of Shaun Wright-Phillips.
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While almost unthinkable 18 months ago in the aftermath of his hat-trick in Zagreb, his exclusion from the squad has raised few eyebrows among the more observant England faithful.
Theo Walcott is perhaps the most frustrating player available to England. Blessed with unbelievable pace, it is a shame that he is so rarely able to combine it with his undoubted talent and turn in a streak of consistent performances.
Injuries have undoubtedly played a part in Capello's decision, as have Walcott's unconvincing performances when Capello has shown faith in him.
He has occasionally threatened to fill the void left by Thierry Henry at Arsenal without ever really coming close to doing to.
And he has looked a different player for England since he put Croatia to the sword.
At the moment, he is a player devoid of any of the confidence, endeavour and craft that was so evident and exciting in 2008.
At the front of Capello's mind will be his performance against Egypt in the recent friendly.
Anonymous for the entire of the first half, Walcott was replaced by Wright-Phillips for the second. England were transformed, suddenly looking a menace down the right hand side, and turned a 0-1 deficit into a 3-1 victory, with Wright-Phillips on the score sheet.
It was perhaps this performance which allowed Capello to separate Walcott and Wright-Phillips.
The disparity between Walcott and Wright-Phillips at the international level was splashed across the uneven green of Wembley Stadium—plain for all to see.
Fabio Capello may be brave to leave out Theo Walcott. But he is certainly not stupid.
