England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce maintains international duty
had nothing to do with Theo Walcott's injury-hit season for
Arsenal.
The 20-year-old forward has just returned from the latest in
a series of lay-offs to produce a couple of impressive displays
which have seen him recalled to the full England squad for the
friendly against Egypt at Wembley.
But, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger questioned why Walcott was
included in the Under-21 European Championship campaign last
summer, when the young Lions reached the final.
Pearce, however, insists Walcott has become a better player
for the experience - and any subsequent fitness problems were an
issue for Arsenal, rather than the national squad.
"I don't agree with Arsene at all," Pearce told the London
Evening Standard.
"He didn't play for long periods of last season, but he was
fully fit at the end so he came with me to the Championship.
"It was a great experience and his first participation in a
major international tournament, but then he hasn't featured a great
deal this year."
Pearce insisted: "When he left me he was fully fit. I can't
be responsible for him picking up an injury at Arsenal.
"Most of the injuries Theo has picked up have come while
playing for his club so I don't really understand where Arsene is
coming from.
"Theo has not been over-extended in playing too many games.
"Two years ago, when Theo played every match for the
Under-21s, it built his confidence up when he wasn't playing so
well for Arsenal, they benefited and I didn't hear him [Wenger]
complain then."
Pearce also believes Walcott has what it takes to make Fabio
Capello's World Cup squad.
"It has been a bit stop and start for Theo to say the least,"
the former Manchester City boss said.
"He played extremely well against Sunderland and will be
aware now that he has got to stay injury free and get a run of form
together when playing for Arsenal, then he will get in the squad
for South Africa and that should be his target."
