As summer approaches, 32 managers are furiously preparing their squads for the World Cup in South Africa. Many have had to deal with disastrous injuries and the weight of expectations, but none more so than England manager Fabio Capello.
After picking up an English team that was left in shambles by the Steve McClaren regime, Capello quickly led the Three Lions to a World Cup berth. Despite the immediate, positive results he has achieved with England so far, Capello has had a tough time at the helm. Capello has had to deal with a slew of problems, including the controversy surrounding the extramarital affairs of his former captain John Terry.
Amidst the scandal, one of Capello's minor headaches has been what to do with Theo Walcott. The youngster burst on to the scene as a 17-year-old when he was named to the 2006 World Cup squad. Since then he has failed to live up to expectations his only significant contribution on the international scene being a hat trick against qualification rivals Croatia two years ago. Many pundits have questioned Walcott's right to be on the World Cup squad, claiming that he still has yet to prove himself. After Walcott's domestic club showing on Wednesday, however, Capello may no longer have to worry about criticisms about the winger.
Last week, Walcott's club Arsenal faced off against Barcelona in one of the greatest European matches ever. During the first half, Barca completely outclassed their opposition, making Arsenal look like a squad of scared schoolboys. Despite managing to get to the half on even pegging, the Gunners found themselves 2-0 down fifteen minutes into the second half. Then with the last throw of his dice, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger subbed on Walcott.
Never have I seen a single player turn such a one-sided match completely on its head. The speedy kid ran at the Barca defense with every touch he got. The Catalan backline, who had little to do until the substitution, suddenly looked overmatched, utterly unable to cope with the sheer pace of Walcott. The beautiful passing game Barca had been employing looked antiquated and powerless against Walcott's direct approach. Within two minutes of his introduction, the winger had netted a tidy goal to restore Arsenal's hopes. He ran down the right flank for the rest of the game, causing Barca's backline countless problems and helping the Gunners manage a 2-2 draw.
After Walcott's stunning display on Wednesday night, Capello should no longer need to justify picking the youngster for the World Cup squad. The Arsenal-Barcelona match was only one game, but it was a big game in which Walcott proved his ability to perform when stakes are high. The winger provides an excellent spark off the bench, and would give even the fastest teams a difficult time marking him. If the likes of Aaron Lennon and Steven Gerrard are struggling to get joy down the wings, then Capello could use Walcott to swing momentum England's way.
In addition, Walcott's performance gives Capello a possible way to get past favored side Spain should the two countries meet each other in the World Cup final. In many ways, the Spanish national side play a similar style to Barcelona, passing around opposition and controlling possession. Xavi, who dominated Arsenal on Wednesday with every genius pass of the ball, plays as the midfield engine for the national side.
Walcott's pace proved to be the perfect antidote to Barca's masterful passing game. Barca's two starting center-backs, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, also start for the national team, and both had a torrid time dealing with Walcott. Spain's classy but slow left back Alvaro Arbeloa will likely find it no easier containing Walcott than Barca's Maxwell did. The same goes for Spain's other left back, the aging Joan Capdevila.
Although Walcott may not be consistent or experienced enough to start for the national side, Wednesday's performance proved that he can be used as a spark to ignite England through any tough matches it should find itself in this summer.
For Capello, it is one less headache to deal with.
