Theo Walcott will not be in France this summer.
Ten years on from his surprise inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s 2006 World Cup squad, the Arsenal forward will be watching this year’s European Championships at home (or, more likely, on a beach somewhere outside of our holiday budget).
Roy Hodgson announced a provisional 26-man squad on Monday for England’s upcoming friendlies against Turkey, Australia and Portugal, although he will have to make three cuts before the Portugal game in order to meet the May 31 deadline.
While injuries could force the England manager to call upon Walcott once more, it would fall under the category of a ‘crisis’ at this stage.
Having first travelled to a major championship as a teenager in 2006, Walcott – who started the season as Arsenal’s first-choice striker but scored just five league goals in this campaign – appears to have lost his space in the squad to the 18-year-old Marcus Rashford.
But while he is clearly disappointed in the decision, his response was predictably measured as he wished his fellow countrymen well for the challenge ahead.
I am of course disappointed not to make the squad, but I have spoken with Roy and respect his decision
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) May 16, 2016
I wish Roy and all the team the best of luck for a successful Euro's.
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) May 16, 2016
