Walcott: David is still a professional and inspiration

Walcott (above) described David Beckham as 'one of the perfect professionals' (GETTY IMAGES)

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."