Wenger backs Theo for England

Arsene Wenger believes 2007 will be a "big year" for Theo Walcott - and backed the Arsenal forward to make a return to the England squad.

The 17-year-old was a shock inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad, having not at the time played a senior match for the Gunners since his £12million January move from Southampton. However, this season the pacy youngster has proved he is more than capable of holding his own in the Barclays Premiership and Champions League.

"I feel 2007 is a big year for Theo," said the Arsenal manager. "He has made big steps forward. Theo will play more and more for us now. "I must say he will be a candidate for England now. He is ready to handle that now. He has the personality and he is intelligent."

He added: "What I like about him is in every game he is decisive, he creates chances.

"Theo has played a few games and done well, but even more in training he looks a different player to what he was six months ago.

"His power and personality in the game has improved. His determination to pass people.

"Before it was only with pace, but now he forces the decision and shrugs people off."