Wenger words of Walcott wisdom

Arsene Wenger has warned England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce that calling up Theo Walcott for the European Championship could be a big mistake.

WARNING Arsene Wenger WARNING: Arsene Wenger

Having scored a stunning hat-trick for the seniors in theWorld Cup qualifier against Croatia, Walcott is now an integral part of Fabio Capello’s plans.[>

[>

He is set to play against Kazakhstan and Belarus in the forthcoming qualifiers after Pearce was told the teenager would not be available for the Under-21s.[>

[>

Pearce, though, has made it clear he would want Walcott if his team beat Wales in their[>

play-off and qualify for next summer’s European Championship.[>

[>

But, having seen Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka moved between the French senior and Under-21 teams, Wenger is not sure it would be a good idea to effectively demote Walcott.[>

Sometimes people can feel they are rejected if they have to step backwards, then they do not completely perform

Arsene Wenger

[>

“Sometimes people can feel they are rejected if they have to step backwards, then they do not completely perform,” said Arsenal boss Wenger.[>

[>

“It is difficult mentally for a player once he has gone into the top team to be completely focused in the Under-21s. All the examples I have seen have not worked.[>

[>

“I can understand if he wants to contribute to the Under-21s. He is 19 years old and he loves his country. But I had that in France with Henry and Anelka, when they went from the top team to the Under-21s, and it was difficult.”[>

[>

Hampshire Police are investigating abuse directed towardsex-Arsenal defender Sol Campbell from Tottenham supporters during last Sunday’s game at Portsmouth.[>

[>

Wenger knows what it is like to be targeted by Spurs fans and describes those responsible for the taunts as “stupid idiots”. He also believes the FA should act.[>

[>

“Abuse can’t be tolerated by anybody to anybody,” said Wenger.[>

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?