Capello to give Walcott shot at World Cup place against Egypt
Published 23:00 02/03/10 By John Cross
Theo Walcott will be given a chance to win his World Cup place as England's right winger tonight.
England boss Fabio Capello has held one-to-one talks with Walcott ahead of the Egypt friendly to give the Arsenal winger a major boost after his frustrating season.
Capello has urged Walcott to get back to being an out-and-out winger and told him to stick to the flank and get to the by-line more than he has been doing recently for Arsenal.
It is a clear sign that Capello wants to give Walcott a major chance to impress after his injury-plagued campaign.
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon appeared to have jumped to the head of the queue for a place on the right but he has now been told to rest for six weeks after suffering a groin injury.
Walcott will get the nod ahead of Shaun Wright-Phillips while David Beckham is in the squad for his experience and can also play inside.
That leaves the door open for Walcott to win himself a place at the World Cup this summer, having gone in 2006 and not got onto the pitch during the whole of the tournament.
But Walcott, the hat trick hero of England's qualifying win in Croatia 18 months ago, will be under the spotlight against Egypt to see whether he can deliver.
