Soccer: Walcott can be England's 'ace in pack'

Theo Walcott was officially welcomed into the England fold by Steven Gerrard yesterday, who applauded the gamble taken by Sven Goran Eriksson on the untested teenager but confessed he knew little about the Arsenal forward whose inclusion in the 23-man squad for the World Cup generated enthusiasm and disbelief in equal measure.

The 17-year-old will meet his international colleagues for the first time on Monday when Eriksson's elite head to Portugal for a five-day training camp, with the Liverpool midfielder insisting his presence will be welcomed by the squad's more senior contingent.

Gerrard, who guided Wayne Rooney through his first England experience in 2003, said: "I was surprised as anyone about the news but there is a lot of experience and talent in the squad, so I don't think it's crazy to take Theo Walcott. He could be our ace in the pack."

"A manager heading for a big tournament has to take a risk at times," added Gerrard.

"I haven't seen anything of him at all but clearly he's an exciting player. He can surprise people."

It is Gerrard, however, who could profit most from the uncertainty surrounding Rooney and Michael Owen's participation in Germany if he is given licence to replicate the role that has yielded 20 goals for Liverpool this season.

"I would love to play in an attacking role for England but we'll see what the manager decides," he admitted; "I haven't had that chance too often but if he lines up with five in midfield then maybe I'll get that opportunity."

Gerrard's midfield partner at Anfield, Xabi Alonso, is struggling to be fit for Saturday's FA Cup final against West Ham.

The Spaniard has not trained since damaging ankle ligaments at Portsmouth on Sunday and will be assessed by medical staff today.

Alonso, who missed last season's Carling Cup final with a broken ankle, revealed: "I am still confident of making it but I have to be realistic too. It would be a nightmare not to be involved. I sat in the stands at the Carling Cup final and I don't want to repeat that experience."

- INDEPENDENT