Stuart Pearce sure Theo Walcott's recent European Championship experience will help him in South Africa

Stuart Pearce reckons his fight with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger over the selection of Theo Walcott could help England win the World Cup.

Under-21 boss Pearce insisted on taking the Gunners star to the European Championship finals after Wenger complained bitterly about his inclusion.

Walcott helped England's youngsters reach the final against Germany - and Pearce reckons the experience gained in Sweden by the 20-year-old will help him take the world by storm next summer.

"There was some contention over Theo's inclusion but I think the experience will help him in South Africa without a doubt," said Pearce. "Hopefully he can now walk out in South Africa in a year's time with this experience.

"He'll know what it's like to take a penalty in a penalty shoot-out, he knows what it's like to play in sudden-death matches and in a major final.

"Theo knows what its like to be involved in tournament football now. He has been to the World Cup with the seniors but he never actually played.

"It's important that he didn't get caught in noman's land in international football where he didn't get any experience."

Pearce added: "I would be very excited about Theo. The future is very rosy for him."

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