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Toby Davis

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Walcott right to put country before club

It was ironic that the name on everybody’s lips after the England Under-21s’ 7-0 drubbing of Azerbaijan was a player who did not even feature in the game.

Theo Walcott was holed-up with the Senior squad preparing for Wednesday’s clash with Andorra as Stuart Pearce’s side strolled to victory in their final warm-up game before jetting out to Sweden. He was not missed. His pace and direct running were not required to humble a frankly shocking Azeri side.

The serious business of winning the European Championships begins in earnest next week when England take on Finland in their Group B opener. Spain and Germany follow and all three are certain to pose a sterner test than Monday’s beleaguered opposition whose fate was effectively sealed when Michael Mancienne put England ahead after 48 seconds.

Pearce would have been forgiven for thinking it more than a little perverse that the main topic for debate in the post-match press conference following such a comprehensive display was his widely reported disagreement with Arsene Wenger over Walcott’s inclusion in both the Senior and Under-21 squads.

The youngster, who is now firmly established in Fabio Capello’s plans, was deemed at risk of burn-out by the Arsenal boss who is understandably keen to wrap him up in bundles of cotton wool.

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Are you passionate about sport? Let your voice be heard nationwide.

Everyone wants to either play in Spain or Italy. What was that about "European dominance"? It's over..FINITO!!! bahahaha. Was it a good couple of years of dominance. And I bet you lot thought it would last forever...sort of like the British economy...a collapse could never happen. Oh wait..

Who will win the Confederations Cup?

USA
Poll Result  9%
Brazil
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Spain
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South Africa
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