Walcott: I didn’t deserve to go to WC 2006

(GSM) – England winger Theo Walcott believes he didn’t deserve his place in Sven Göran Erikkson’s 2006 World Cup squad.

The Arsenal ace has now shown what he’s worth at Premier League level and scored a memorable World Cup qualifying hat-trick in Croatia back in September 2008.

“It feels so much different to last time. I was the kid at the time and the baby face,” Walcott admitted.

“I had not played in the Premier League and did not deserve to go to Germany, I knew that.

“I am now playing in the Premier League and the World Cup qualifiers and am doing quite well.

“I feel I am there by rights and, fingers crossed, I will be on that plane. There are a lot of world-class players on the right-hand side for England and it is a great competition to be a part of.

“I thought I played very well against Mexico and I was happy with my performance. If I’m happy, that is the most important thing.

“Now it is vital that I focus on the training camp in Austria leading up to the Japan game and not look too far ahead, as there is still a lot of work to do.”