The curious case of Theo Walcott

With Michael Owen's world cup over, and Rooney barely back from injury, the England squad is left with three recognised strikers.

Well, in fact two. Walcott has yet to feature in this competition, with circumstances dictating a need for experience over youth.

Theo should have come on last night – being the only recognised striker left on the bench. You get the sense, however, that he will play no part in this world cup. I think Sven is incredibly scared of bringing him on and leaving him exposed like a rabbit in the headlights. If he was too scared to do this against T&T, what chance he will risk it against Germany when it really matters? Can you see young Theo being asked to take a penalty? Would you take the chance of crushing one of England’s brightest young stars with the ignominy of a penalty miss?

I think this is one gamble which has gone horribly, horribly wrong. We have effectively reduced ou squad by one player. Ouch. What if the oh – so – inconsistent crouch was to go down injured? Walcott start? No way. Gerrard or Cole behind Rooney … but the whole POINT is that Rooney is one of the best link players around. He and Crouch looked completely at odds yesterday, both dropping deep .

I say one thing. Jermaine Defoe proved himself in qualifying that he had the pace, determination and character to play international football, more so than Walcott at the moment. Yet he is sat at home.