Theo Walcott receives shock treatment from Fabio

Arsenal’s Walcott, who provided the catalyst to qualification with his stunning hat-trick in Croatia, received the dreaded call from Fabio Capello yesterday.

Capello simply told him: “I am very sorry but you will not be part of the squad, but you will be part of my plans for the European Championships.”

Walcott was playing golf at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire with a friend and family member when he received the news at noon.

He was left numb and speechless.

Minutes later, those close to him got in touch with FA chiefs to double-check it was not a wind-up.

Unfortunately for Walcott, it was verified that he was one of the unlucky seven who will not fly out to South Africa tonight.

The others are Leighton Baines, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker, Adam Johnson and Darren Bent.

Gareth Barry came through his medical check on an injured ankle from England’s doctor, Ian Beasley, and physio, Gary Lewin, to keep his place in the squad.

Barry has 10 days to recover in time to face the USA, but will more realistically be aiming to face Algeria on June 18.

Walcott, who was not given any reasons as to why he had been left out, said:

“I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad going out to South Africa, but I completely respect Mr Capello’s decision. I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they have a really successful tournament.”

Walcott had not simply assumed he would be in the final 23, but had not picked up any hint he should be nervous.

There are claims Capello was unhappy with Walcott after the Mexico friendly, being critical during his DVD analysis of that match.

Capello had been adamant Walcott must hug the right touchline but he is understood to have felt his winger drifted inside too much and was also disappointed with him in training.

The decision to axe Walcott and Johnson, in favour of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Aaron Lennon and Joe Cole, suggests that Capello thinks he needs as much age and experience as possible.

Walcott must now decide what to do this summer, having not even thought about a holiday. And his family will cancel arrangements to fly to South Africa for the games.

Walcott has been at the centre of a World Cup shock before. He was called up by Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2006 at 17 and without having played in the Premier League.

Capello can still replace anybody who gets injured up to 24 hours before the first game, against the USA on June 12. But he would not be able to bring back players if they later recovered.