Gareth Southgate ‘respects’ Theo Walcott’s England frustration following birthday snub

Walcott was overlooked despite scoring 17 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season, with Nathan Redmond and Jesse Lingard chosen ahead of the 28-year-old.

Injuries to Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge also opened the door for Walcott, but Southgate opted for just three recognised strikers in Jermain Defoe, Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy.

Southgate admitted he was challenged by Walcott, who received the snub on his birthday, but the England boss said he had no issue with explaining his decision.

“I’ve got to say he wasn’t chuffed to bits to get the call. And I understand that," said Southgate.

“Quite rightly, he said, ‘I’m one of the leading goal-scorers in the league’.

"I don’t mind being challenged on that at all. I totally respect that. I don’t expect him to be happy. But I’ve got to make decisions and I think it was the right thing to call him to talk that through — even though the timing [his birthday] probably wasn’t great.”

Walcott’s tally of eight Premier League goals makes him the joint-sixth highest English goalscorer in the top tier alongside Andre Gray.

The Burnley striker was also left out of the England squad, despite rumours he may earn a first call-up, while Watford captain Troy Deeney does not feature either despite having nine league goals to his name.

Walcott is right to feel aggrieved. So often the question mark following previous squad announcements, this is an occasion where he has earned his place – and it’s only fair that he has questioned the decision.

Nathan Redmond’s inclusion is understandable, but Jesse Lingard’s is less fathomable. The winger has played a mere cameo role for Manchester United in a season where he is yet to play a full 90 minutes.

Southgate admitted Redmond and James Ward-Prowse’s presence in the squad was partly down to their performances in last month’s Capital One Cup final between Southampton and United.

And it appears the England boss has selected Lingard for that same reason, having scored the second goal at Wembley en-route to a 3-2 victory over the Saints.

Without getting into a tedious England squad debate, it’s simply worth stating that if you’re on the fringe of selection, then you are unlikely to be in the reckoning for a place in the starting XI. Walcott is best off channelling this anger and leaving Southgate with no choice but to select him next time.