Theo Walcott in race to be fit for final as England U21s face striker crisis

Theo Walcott is in a race against time to be fit for England in tomorrow's European Under-21 final against Germany.

The Arsenal star played the full 120 minutes of the semi-final against Sweden on Friday evening, when England won on penalties after squandering a three goal lead in normal time.

Walcott complained of severe cramp in both calf muscles after the game.

But with strikers Gabriel Agbonlahor and Fraizer Campbell suspended for the final,Walcott's presence is critical for England.

Manager Stuart Pearce only named three strikers in his squad so the Arsenal youngster is the last man standing - just!

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that in the long-term, Walcott will be a striker rather than a wide player, where he has spent most of his career to date for club and country.

Walcott is undergoing intensive treatment from the England medical staff in a bid to ensure he is ready to face the Germans. And former Under-21 boss Peter Taylor believes current boss Pearce has a secret weapon that can help England survive their striker crisis.

Taylor said: "It is a blow to be without both Agbonlahor and Campbell, but he does have Walcott to play in that front role. He can give Germany problems with his pace.

"I have been watching the games in the tournament and, player for player, Germany are not better than us.

"In fact, I think we are better so we can win the match - even if it goes to penalties!

"Stuart also has another card up his sleeve with Danny Rose. I saw him play against Azer-baijaand though he started on the left side of midfield, he finished up front and did well.

"Of course Germany will be harder but Stuart knows that Danny can play there."

Taylor, who was the first full-time manager at Under-21 level when he was appointed by Glenn Hoddle in 1996, is convinced that making the job fulltime was a turning point in the squad's fortunes.

Taylor, now Wycombe boss, said: "It was clear then that, with a full-time man in charge, the manager of the senior squad would be informed of their progress and I think it was taken a bit more seriously from then on. That is evident now with Stuart and Fabio Capello.

"What Stuart has done is forge a great togetherness in the group and that has come out when things have not been going well on the pitch.

"The players stick together and help each other.

"Maybe England haven't played so well at times but that has been true of many of the teams in the tournament. But I am confident they can win."

Keeper Joe Hart, the hero of Friday's shoot-out win in which he scored one and saved one, is also suspended for the final.

Pearce must decide to go with Peterborough's Joe Lewis or Watford's Scott Loach.

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