Theo Walcott targets ten wins from ten in final qualifier

Saturday 10 Oct 2015
Theo Walcott is targeting ten wins from ten for England in Lithuania on Monday evening, but knows it will mean nothing next summer.

The Arsenal striker opened the scoring as the Three Lions beat Estonia 2-0 at Wembley on Friday to make it nine wins out of nine games in Euro Qualifying.

And whilst Walcott acknowledges the team's achievement so far, he says it’s all about how England perform in the Euro Finals in France next summer.

Lithuania v England

Euro Qualifier
7.45pm, Monday 12 October 2015
LFF Stadion, Vilnius
Live on ITV

"We are only going to be judged when it comes to tournament football," he explained, following Friday’s victory which also saw Raheem Sterling on the scoresheet.

"But we have to be proud of ourselves, having nine wins after the disappointment from the World Cup and bouncing back the way the players have done. 

"The backroom staff have changed things and things are working for us. This team is definitely hungry and eager to do well.

"There are some young, eager faces in that dressing room who are keen to do well."

Roy Hodgson and his squad travel to Vilnius on Sunday, where they will wrap up the qualifying stage against Lithuania with their last competitive match before the Finals begin next summer.

Following Monday's game, England will face opposition from Euro rivals Spain and France in November which Walcott knows will be a more realistic barometer for Hodgson’s side to measure themselves.

Watch Walcott's opening goal against Estonia at Wembley Stadium

But the squad are firstly focused on finishing their group with a perfect record and ten wins out of ten.

"We want to make it ten on Monday night," he admitted, after scoring his eighth goal for the Three Lions.

"It is a nice little thing to have - we want to win every game but we will be more tested in these friendlies coming up [France and Spain] and everyone wants to win competitions and make this country proud.

"It's a dream come true to score for your country.

"I'd like to score more goals, but the most important thing I want to play for this team and for us to do well."

Tickets for the game with France at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Tuesday 17 November are on sale now. Click here for more details.

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels