Tell that interpreter of yours to tell Theo he’s in

5:17am Thursday 10th April 2008

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FORGET Beckham, Bentley, Wright-Phillips, Lennon or Young. England's new right winger was at Anfield on Tuesday night.

It was a moment that was oh so familiar. A promising English teenager picked up the ball inside his own half, rode a tackle or two - maybe even three or four - veered right and delivered the telling right-footed strike.

Unlike Michael Owen's wonder goal against Argentina, the ball did not ripple the net but a cross of such composure and precision only needed a stroke of the boot from Sheyi Adebayor to finish the job.

The boy who found out he was going to the World Cup on the same day that he took his driving theory test will always be young Theo Walcott', just as Norman Whiteside remains young Norman Whiteside' at the age of 42.

But on Tuesday Theo proved he had matured to the extent that he is now ready to play for England.

When Fabio Capello picks his team to face the USA on May 28, he would do well to call on him.

Competitive fixtures will still be four months away, the World Cup another two years down the line.

Of England's many right-wing contenders, Walcott is the only one that will be good enough when South Africa comes around.

Although unfairly maligned, David Beckham still has a role to play but now it should only be from the bench. It is doubtful even that will be possible in 2010.

Some would have us believe David Bentley is the new Beckham - maybe even the new Cruyff or Maradona - but he is not. Talented yes, England quality no.

Just the comparison is an insult and a vast oversight of the player Beckham once was.

Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon have both shown they can make some impact at international level but as many crosses sail into the stand as they do onto Peter Crouch's forehead. The same will become clear with Ashley Young.

But Walcott may just have that capacity to combine the sort of raw speed that humiliated Kakha Kaladze in the San Siro with genuine ability on the ball.

And there's no time like the present, Fabio.

Tell that interpreter of yours - the one that sounds like he's a bit slow on the uptake - to tell Theo he's in.

What's more, he's going to get a run of games on the wing.

And while you're at it, give Owen a ring. He's back in up front alongside Rooney.

After all, the day England can afford to leave Owen out is the day Owen retires from international football.

And you never know, young Michael might be able to pass on some experience to Theo.

Like how to cope with penalties ruining the defining moment of your career.

* Super League has the end of promotion and relegation to thank for the Dwain Chambers farce.

Seeing as results don't really matter any more for the league's traditional strugglers, they can pick whoever they like if it will bring the cash in.

So roll up, roll up - who fancies a game in Super League?

Are you famous in any way?

Have you always wanted to be wiped out by the swinging arm of Terry Newton?

Give Castleford a call today.