Its My Time To Shine: Theo Walcott ends all speculation with 3 goals

In one of my first entries I did a short article forecasting Walcott's future. I mentioned that England and Arsenal's future rested in this young man's hands, or should I say mind and feet. I mentioned that I expected young Theo to eventually take up the mantle and put his team on his back. In less than six months my predictions have come true. English manager Fabio Capello placed confidence in the 19 yr old forward during a time when the English public were uncertain of their chances of qualifying for World Cup 2010.

Walcott was first given a chance in the first qualifier against Andorra. His pace outmatched the inexperienced Andorran defenders, but he failed to apply the final touches and at times lost control of the ball during his runs. Once again the public cried foul and felt that the young man could not handle the responsibility granted to him. Many felt that Joe Cole, who came off the bench to score 2-0 in the match should have been granted a start over the lad. Capello in his usual manner ignored his critics and once more placed the young striker, turn midfielder on his right wing, for the anticipated rematch against Croatia.

The result was breathtaking for those who witnessed. English critics in a matter of 90 minutes suddenly lost their scepticism of Capello and Walcott, and began to praise the Arsenal forward in joy. Walcott rewarded his manager with controled runs on the wing as well as icing the cake with three brilliant goals, that led England to beat their bitter rivals 4-1. Walcott scored his first international goals, all three making him the youngest Englishman to score a hat trick internationally. His hat trick was the first in a qualifier since Michael Owen managed the feat some years ago.

Walcotts goals showed a man that was determined and in control throughout the game. The first came from a defenders deflection that landed the ball in his path, which he then angled a low diagonal shot that beat the Croatian goal keeper. He then hit a similar shot that gave him his second, and then closed his display with a beautiful individual performance after recieving the ball from his team mate Wayne Rooney. Walcott is gradually developing into the player Arsene Wenger has predicted he will come. This Saturday the World will be looking at Theo to see if he will bring his present international form to the club level in Arsenal's match up against Blackburn.