Theo Walcott today revealed Fabio Capello's admission that he should have taken the Arsenal forward to the World Cup has helped him hit peak form.
The 21-year-old's goal in Arsenal's bizarre 4-4 draw at Newcastle on Saturday was his 11th of a season which is finally seeing him realise his potential.
Walcott, in line to win his 16th cap against Denmark in Copenhagen on Wednesday, was axed from the World Cup at the 11th hour but last month Capello said: "I made a mistake not selecting him. He's one of the players who can make the difference. I should have taken him."
Refusing to say whether or not he agreed with the Italian's decision to leave him at home, Walcott said today: "I needed to know why I did not go to the World Cup so I went to the manager and asked him.
"Reading his quotes that he made a mistake have really helped me. I want to prove him wrong.
"The quotes show that the manager has faith in me and maybe now I need to have faith in myself.
"I won't blame anyone else for what happened to me in the summer. I needed to look at myself.
"I've had ups and downs in my career so far and I felt I needed that mental break from it all so it might have done me a favour."
The winger could feature alongside Arsenal team-mate Jack Wilshere on Wednesday.
Capello is ready to give the 19-year-old his debut after the Football Association announced they would not be taking any action against the midfielder for criticising referee Phil Dowd in the wake of Arsenal's capitulation at St James's Park.
Walcott, likely to be skippered by Frank Lampard in the absence of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard, insists Wilshere can make an impact on Wednesday.
"He'll be fine, wherever he plays," said the forward. "Jack plays with no fear and will is brilliant to play with. If he gets his chance, he will grab it with both hands."
Capello must choose between Lampard and Wayne Rooney to wear the armband on Wednesday. Rooney did the job in a loss against Brazil in Doha last season but Lampard was vice-captain when Ferdinand pulled out of the World Cup, so it would be a major surprise if he was not handed the role for the first time from the start of his 84th cap.
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Gerrard reported for England duty at the squad HQ in Watford last night but was released, along with Peter Crouch and Ben Foster after fitness checks. Tottenham striker Crouch has a back problem while Birmingham keeper Foster has a minor thumb injury. In addition, Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor pulled out of the squad for personal reasons.
Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and striker Robin van Persie today pulled out of the Spain and Holland squads respectively. Fabregas will miss Spain clash with Colombia in Madrid on Wednesday due to an upset stomach.
Van Persie is out of the Holland's friendly with Austria in Amsterdam due to flu. Arsenal centre-back Johan Djourou reported for duty with Switzerland despite limping out of the draw at Newcastle with a knee injury.
