Theo Walcott - A Teenage Prodigy

Theo Walcott became England's youngest ever player aged just 17 years and 75 days when he made his debut as a substitute against Hungary in May 2006.

A surprise call-up to the World Cup squad for Germany, Walcott was introduced to international football in the 'B' friendly against Belarus only five days earlier.

Again coming on for Michael Owen in his first senior match, Walcott beat Wayne Rooney's previous record as England's youngest cap.

When Sven-Göran Eriksson selected him for the World Cup, Walcott had never played in the Premiership, never featured for England Under-21s and hadn’t made a single first team appearance since moving to Arsenal from Southampton in January 2006. “I was as shocked as anyone else,” Walcott says. “I didn’t expect it at all

Born on 16 March 1989, Theo hails from a small village in Berkshire called Compton, located high on the Berkshire Downs.

The teenage prodigy moved to Arsenal after some stunning performances for Southampton at the start of the 2005/6 season.

Walcott, whose pace troubles defenders, scored four goals in 13 league starts for the Saints before signing for the Gunners.

He played just 23 times for Southampton before Arsenal beat Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, to sign him for £5m rising to £12m depending on success and appearances.

He has been prolific at England youth level, notching five goals in 11 appearances for the Under-17s.

He featured for England Under-19s against Slovakia in February, scoring from the spot in a 3-0 win.

International Honours: England U17, England U16, England U19, England B, 1 full England cap, Germany 2006 World Cup Squad and England Under 21.

Current Club: Arsenal FC

Former Clubs: AFC Newbury, Swindon Town, Southampton FC

Team Supported: Liverpool F.C. Theo inherited this alliance from his father Don who is a lifetime Liverpool supporter.

Nationality: English, other nationality Barbadian (from his father’s side)

Football Idol: Thierry Henry.