Walcott inclusion excites Eriksson

Sven-Göran Eriksson's audacious selection of the untried 17-year-old Theo Walcott for his FIFA World Cup squad shows just how much he fears losing the creative spark of Wayne Rooney.

Devastating blow
Walcott, who is set to break Rooney's record as England's youngest player later this month, was a shock choice as Eriksson tried to plan for the absence of the Manchester United FC striker in Germany. Though included in the squad, Rooney's broken foot means he is likely to miss at least the group stage in Germany - if not the latter stages as well if Eriksson's men get that far.

'Excited'
"I think it was time to come in with something new, something good and I think the players are very excited about it as well," said Eriksson after selecting Walcott, who this time last year was representing his country at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. The Arsenal FC teenager, like Rooney, would occupy the space behind England's main front man Michael Owen, using his pace to run at defences from outside the area. "He's best as a second striker, playing just behind a striker," Eriksson said. "But he's a different player to Rooney."

Impact substitute
One of the differences is the experience to go with the talent. Walcott may have caught the eye of Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger but the Frenchman has yet to play him since paying Southampton FC an initial €7.3m for his services in January - indeed, the teenager will not play any part in the UEFA Champions League final and is free to link up with England when needed. Another important difference is that Rooney will always start every England game for which he is fit. Walcott seems more of an impact substitute to be thrown into the closing stages of a game when opponents are beginning to tire and the teenager can drill holes in their defences.

'Crazy'
"I don't think that Walcott or Arsène Wenger think that he's going to play seven games of 90 minutes at the World Cup," said the Swede. "But if he's sitting on the bench and you see there's space out there, and a chance to use his pace, I think that is the meaning." Unfazed by how his choice would be received, Eriksson said: "I don't think other football managers think I'm crazy. The press might think it, but not the managers."

Owen doubt
Eriksson is convinced Owen will be fit for the three friendlies before the finals and will build up his match fitness after being sidelined since 31 December. But he said the Newcastle United FC striker was still plagued by concerns about being ready for Germany. "He's worried, of course, a little bit afraid still," Eriksson said. "He thinks about the World Cup and he wants to take part." Aside from Walcott, the two other surprises in the 23-man squad were wingers Aaron Lennon and Stewart Downing.

Revelation
Lennon, 19, has been a revelation for Tottenham Hotspur FC with his quick feet, neat passing and good finishing. Downing has long been hailed as the answer to England's problem role on the left flank - currently filled by right-footed Joe Cole - and is another option as a substitute. "I don't think I've taken any chances with Lennon and Downing. Walcott is a gamble," Eriksson said. Just how much he is willing to gamble remains to be seen.