Shouldn't Gabriel Agbonlahor be Picked Ahead of Theo Walcott?

England lined up for their World Cup qualifier against Andorra (the world's third worst international side) with Theo Walcott in the starting eleven.

To be honest, I'm amazed he is in the squad, never mind in the starting eleven.

What has he done to deserve an England place?

He hasn't really earned a place at Arsenal yet and has looked out his depth in a few games this season. It's not totally his fault however, as younger players take time to develop consistency.

Which opens up even more questions about why he's in the squad. To develop as a player?

The former Southampton star will develop more training with Arsenal to be honest.

The 19 year old's first start for England started brightly but he faded as usual against mediocre opposition.

It took Joe Cole (who shouldn't be sitting on the bench for Theo Walcott) to save England's bacon. What possible experience can he get from lining up against Andorra?

I feel Theo has to cut his teeth in the English Premier League before being flung into the international scene.

He's got years left at Under 21 level to add to his 15 caps and 6 goals at that age group, which will be great for his confidence and take a little pressure off a lad who has the world at his feet, but also on his shoulders (not too mention a £12m hangover).

It's simply too much too soon for Walcott, who's five games and solitary goal for the Gunners this season have hardly been a stand out.

So let's compare him to the man I think should have his developing place in the England squad (not necessarily a start), Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Aston Villa forward has had a cracking start to the season, with four goals in six games for the Villains.

The 21-year-old has spent the last few seasons cutting his teeth in the EPL (as well as loan spells at Watford and Sheffield Wednesday), and no one can deny how impressive he was last season for Martin O'Neill's side.

It was Agbonlahor who was starring for the Under 21's the other night, scoring what proved to be the winning goal and taking the plaudits.

Agbonlahor's time at Under 21 level is soon to come to an end—Walcott has years ahead of him.

Surely, on paper it should be Agbonlahor in the England squad being nurtured and not Walcott. The Arsenal man may have all the potential in the world but, at this moment in time, I'd pick Gabby over Theo every time.

He is for now, the better player.