Theo Walcott scored a fairytale hat-trick as England came through their first major test under Fabio Capello in scintillating fashion with a 4-1 win over a Croatia side never before beaten at home in a competitive international. England’s Italian boss labelled the final scoreline “incredible” and with good reason.
Arsenal teenager Walcott’s first three international goals were sandwiched around Wayne Rooney’s first in almost a year as England claimed revenge for the home-and-away defeats by the Croatians which destroyed their chances of reaching Euro 2008.
It was pity that it wasn’t on terrestrial channels – a great victory which most of the nation missed.
Following up, Wenger brings Walcott back to earth with a bang:
There’s still a lot to come. From 19 to 23, you become a real man – at 19 you’re still a boy.
Harsh, but if it is true let’s see what he is like at 23!
