Theo Walcott after central striker role for England

Arsenal had already raced into their 3-0 lead by the time Walcott could be seen chasing back from the forward positions to dispossess Bastian Schweinsteiger with a perfectly executed sliding tackle, then being quicker to his feet to beat the German for a second time.

GETTY ACE: Theo Walcott has been playing as a central striker for Arsenal “We just speak at the training ground, in a room with a TV and the games”.

It encapsulated an effervescent display, arguably Walcott’s finest in an Arsenal jersey, and set the standard to which he must now adhere if Wenger is to persist with the 26-year-old in his favoured central striking role at club level. And it was an players meeting ahead of the game that was the catalyst for such a good performance, reveals Walcott.

However, despite the mounting pressure on Arsene Wenger and the players, they performed beyond all expectations on Sunday and thrashed the Red Devils before half-time had even come along. He said: ‘No, I’m not saying that.’ He wanted me to be more aggressive in terms of running at players, closing them down, tracking back, being there in their faces.

Henry, the club’s record goalscorer with 228 strikes, returned to Arsenal in a coaching role, and Walcott says that advice from the talismanic Frenchman is linked with his early-season heroics. I’ve had quite a few words with him about some of the games I’ve played. Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane have both struggled for goals this season but if Walcott can maintain his form until next June, England’s Euro 2016 opponents will have their work cut out trying to stop him.

“In training this morning the amount of hard work everyone was doing tracking back, winning the ball back”.

“He is always here and it’s great to see him”. A start like this from us is unacceptable; if we want to fight for big things we must learn the lesson as soon as possible.

I certainly hope so as it would boost his confidence as well as giving him more time on the pitch to hone his centre forward skills.

“Sometimes you see this generation of players, they’re actually scared to go up to coaches and ask something”.

“And with that work-rate – if he can do it then why can’t I do it? I think I’ve learned over the years not to be afraid to ask because they are there to help you”.

“Playing up front for England, that’s what I want to do”.

“I think that’s one thing I missed maybe a couple of years ago. I feel good and think it is great opportunity to actually give me a chance”.