Walcott: David is still a professional and inspiration
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Theo Walcott's potential is one of the reasons Fabio Capello has chosen to dispense with the services of David Beckham, but the Arsenal winger says he has enormous respect for the former England captain. Walcott, who made a successful return to the England side in the 2-1 victory over Hungary, described Beckham as "one of the perfect professionals" and said the former England captain had been in contact over the summer to help lift his spirits following his disappointment at being omitted by Capello from the World Cup squad.
"He has been that player who has always been there for me," Walcott said. "Every time I go away I always sit next to him for dinners and [I appreciate] the amount of emails and phone calls he has given me throughout the summer. He said very supportive words. I have kept my emails just to wind up my sister, who is quite jealous of that.
"He is one of those guys I have so much respect for, and any young player growing up should look at him because for me, personally, he is one of the perfect professionals in the game."
Walcott, who became the youngest-ever England international in 2006, acknowledged this season is a vital one for him as he attempts to reclaim his place in Capello's thinking. His hat-trick against Croatia in September 2008 seems a long time ago, and Walcott said he knows what he must do to stake his case for inclusion after a chat with the England manager.
"I had a word with him," Walcott said. "I know what I have to do and I am looking forward to Sunday's match [against Liverpool]. I'm all excited about playing at such a hostile place like Anfield."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments