Theo Walcott: Arsene Wenger told me to toughen up

Posted Thursday, October 08, 2015 by skysports.com

THEO WALCOTT revealed yesterday how Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had told him to toughen up.

The 26-year-old could start could start up front for England tomorrow against Estonia in the likely absence of Wayne Rooney.

Five goals in his last eight games - including two in just 23 minutes as a sub in San Marino - have seen Walcott prove his credentials as a central striker.

He impressed in the role as the Gunners beat Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday, setting up two goals, tracking back and tackling - including a sliding effort on Bastian Scwheinsteiger.

And Walcott revealed the Frenchman had taken him to one side and told him he needed to be more fired-up on the pitch.

HARDMAN: Walcott slide tackled Schweinsteiger

GET TOUGH: Wenger told Walcott to be more aggressive

"I actually said, 'do you want me to get stuck into people?' That was my reaction," Walcott said.

"He said, 'no, I'm not saying that'. He wanted me to be more aggressive in terms of running at players, closing them down, tracking back, being there and in their faces.

"Arsene wanted me to be more aggressive on the pitch. And maybe he's sensed I've done that.

"When you are tracking back people wouldn't imagine that Theo Walcott is going to tackle Schweinsteiger.

Theo Walcott: Arsene Wenger told me to toughen up
STRIKER: Walcott is likely to start up top in place of Rooney

"No, it's never going to happen!"

Rooney trained in the gym yesterday after picking up a knock at The Emirates and Walcott said he was hopeful of getting a chance to prove to boss Roy Hodgson he can do the same job for his country as he has been doing for his club

"I've played up front for Arsenal, so there's an opportunity there maybe," Walcott added.

"If I continue to play well for Arsenal in that position then I might get that opportunity for England."