Former Arsenal and England forward Theo Walcott has admitted that he "shouldn't have gone" to the 2006 World Cup after receiving a shock call-up from then-manager Sven Goran Eriksson. Walcott, who was 17 at the time, was named in Eriksson's squad for the tournament in Germany despite never having played a single Premier League game for the Gunners.
Walcott's Rapid Rise and World Cup Selection
Walcott signed for Arsenal from Southampton for £12 million in January 2006, but had to wait until the start of the following season to make his debut. The 1989-born attacker had scored five goals in 23 appearances after making his professional bow and starting his career at Southampton. Despite his inexperience at the top level, Eriksson decided to offer him a chance in the England World Cup squad, citing his potential and excitement around his development.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Walcott reflected on the decision: "It was too much, too soon for me. You've just turned 17. You've just gone to Arsenal from Southampton in the Championship. You haven't yet played in the Premier League." He added, "When you're older and you're an adult and you've got more responsibilities and you have your own children, I do look at it now and think, 'Where was the protection side of it?'"
Pressure and Paparazzi Intrusion
Walcott also had to contend with intense media scrutiny following his call-up. Paparazzi photographers camped outside his family home in the Berkshire village of Compton, spending entire nights trying to get a snap of him and his then-girlfriend, now wife, Mel. His neighbours intervened by blocking a photographer's car with their own vehicles to prevent him from taking pictures. The photographer threatened to run them over, according to Walcott. "Just to get a picture. Putting people in danger. Fully grown men following a boy and a girl. When you voice it out loud now, you think, 'Wow. How was that OK'. It was scary, and it was daily," Walcott said.
No Game Time and Regret
In the end, Walcott did not play a single minute for England at the 2006 World Cup, with Eriksson deciding against handing the teenager a debut on the biggest stage. Walcott now believes the call-up was premature: "For me, no, I shouldn't have gone." He credited senior teammates Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole for looking after him during the tournament. "Big Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole looked after me. I saw them both recently and thanked them because they didn't realise what they did for me at the time," he said.
Comparing Eras
Walcott contrasted his experience with the pressures faced by young players today, noting the rise of social media. "It was very different then," he said. "I had to deal with the paparazzi side. Now, they have the social media side which you can't get away from, this thing that's in the palm of your hands every single minute."
