Surprise inclusion for Walcott in England squad

Arsenal reserve Theo Walcott has been named in Sven-Goran Eriksson's provisional World Cup squad.

The 17-year-old striker, who has not played for Arsenal's first team since joining from Southampton at the start of the year, was one of four strikers named in the 23-man provisional squad by Eriksson today.

Liverpool's Peter Crouch was also named, along with Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen from Newcastle, who are both currently injured.

However, Charlton striker Darren Bent - who has scored 18 goals in the Premiership this season - was omitted from the team, along with Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Philips.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe was named as one of five standby players, which also included Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson, Charlton defender Luke Young and West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.

Eriksson, who will be replaced by former Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren after the World Cup, admitted that the inclusion of Walcott was a gamble, but described him as a "great talent" with incredible pace.

Eriksson will name his final squad on May 15, but has until 24 hours before England's first game on June 10 to replace any injured players.

The provisional squad is:

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham Hotspur), David James (Manchester City), Robert Green (Norwich).

Defenders: Gary Neville (Manchester United), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Sol Campbell (Arsenal), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea).

Midfielders: David Beckham (Real Madrid), Michael Carrick (Tottenham Hotspur), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Jermain Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur).

Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Michael Owen (Newcastle United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

Standbys: Scott Carson (Liverpool), Luke Young (Charlton Athletic), Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace).

(KMcA)