Capello laughs at idea of excluding Walcott

England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has revealed that his request to name Arsenal's rising star Theo Walcott in his squad for this month's two-legged European Championships play-off against Wales left Fabio Capello laughing.

Pearce knew it was a long shot after Walcott's hat-trick in the World Cup clash against Croatia last month.

The 19-year-old is now a key man in senior coach Capello's plans for the forthcoming qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

That makes him unavailable for the first leg against Wales at Ninian Park on 10 October and the return at Villa Park on 14 October.

Pearce revealed: "Fabio never answered my question as he burst out laughing.

"But bear in mind I did ask him the question in the dressing room in Croatia. I thought I would strike while the iron was hot!"

Pearce, however, is more than hopeful that Walcott will be available to play in the finals in Sweden next June - providing England get past Wales.

He said: "I want Theo to represent the under-21 side next summer and I cannot see any problem."

Pearce is convinced that Walcott, who would have been the youngest member of the squad to face Wales had he been selected, would be only too willing to play in the finals.

And he claims Capello is fully aware of just how important it is for England to be successful at under-21 level.

"Fabio has been very supportive ever since he came in," claimed Pearce.

"He has told me to take the players I wanted as he is acutely aware that we have to be strong over the two games against Wales.

"Wales will be a strong test and it will be the biggest game we have played at under-21 level over the last two years.

"I'm aware that they will be fired up for the game at Ninian Park, while I think it will be a tremendous game at Villa Park.

"It's a ground I always enjoyed playing at and I am sure that we will be able to attract a big crowd as we did at Leicester and Derby in recent games."

The only newcomer to the England squad is Southampton's latest young star, Adam Lallana, who is hoping to following in the footsteps of Walcott who started his rise to fame with the Saints.

Pearce is keen to give Lallana international experience and he might well have a part to play against Wales.

He said: "This season I've seen him two or three times and he has been playing exceptionally well.

"In the main he has been playing off the striker. It's a position at international level that sometimes causes us problems. People get in that hole and we do not have too many people in this country who like to play in this position.

"I just thought it was an ideal opportunity for him to come and get involved.

"It gives me a good opportunity to look at him. It also proves to people that this squad is not a closed shop. There is still competition for places when hopefully we go to Sweden."

Lallana, however, could find himself behind the likes of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake who is highly rated by Pearce.

He claims: "I think he has been outstanding and it's the reason why Wolves are top of the league. His form and fitness was the reason why they staged a late charge last season.

"With him in the team they score goals and he would be a big loss if he is out of the side for any reason.

"I must admit that last season I watched him play and honestly thought he was 28. I was surprised to discover he was then 21!"

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