Arsenal hotshot Theo Walcott wants to kick on in an England shirt
by Chris Hatherall
Theo Walcott says he is ready to step up a gear in his England career as he looks ahead to Wednesday's prestigious friendly against Brazil.
Walcott has been on fire for Arsenal this season, scoring 18 goals already, and has been used up front as well as on the right wing by manager Arsene Wenger.
Now he believes it is time to take that amazing form onto the international stage, and considering he played alongside Wayne Rooney in training at St. George's Park on Monday there could even be a chance to achieve his long-held dreaming of playing as a striker for England, too.
Walcott said: "It was great to train there alongside Wayne.
"And with Daniel Sturridge and Jermain Defoe unfortunately injured there is maybe an opportunity there for me."
Who knows if Roy Hodgson will opt to use Walcott through the middle, out wide or from the bench? But the Arsenal man is determined to force his way into the team somehow.
He added: "Things are going well for Arsenal at the moment. The next step is to build my England career a bit more.
"At the age of 23 with 30 caps it's not bad but I want to get into the starting line-up. I need to get in the manager's face during training and I need to do well.
"So for me the goal is to get the England career back to where it should be.
"If that happens Wednesday then fantastic, or if it's in the qualifiers in March then great. Given the opportunity I'm going to give it my best.
"I'm playing well at the moment and I'm with some great players here who are only going to make me a better player as well."
Walcott is excited by the prospect of facing the mighty Brazil, a fixture which has to rank as one of the greatest in world football.
Walcott beamed: "It's going to be fantastic for people to watch - and to be part of it is even more amazing.
"They have some amazing young talent, the likes of Neymar for instance. But hopefully we can prevent their dangerous players from performing.
"I'm looking forward to it. It's important - you are testing yourself against the best.
"These kind of games you want to get something out of it. You want to have a good performance but our main aim is to win every game.
"And if we beat Brazil you can believe you can beat anyone."