Theo Walcott hoping for striker role against Estonia - but should he play there?

The Arsenal forward could be thrust into the attack in the absence of record goalscorer Wayne Rooney, who has missed training in the build-up to the Euro 2016 qualifier.

Walcott has featured on the right flank during the campaign, but has shown promise as a lone frontman for the Gunners this season.

"I know everyone would like to see me up front," Walcott, who has seven goals in 41 caps, told reporters before the Estonia game.

"Playing there for England, that's what I want to do."

England qualified for next year's finals in France with a 6-0 victory in San Marino on September 5 and have won all eight of their qualifiers so far.

Here’s the problem: Arsenal have a dearth of decent attacking options, England don’t.

With England already assured qualification, Walcott might feel he deserves a chance in attack. But is there much point? His searing pace is much better served on the flanks. Any team with Walcott on one wing and Raheem Sterling on the other has a chance of exposing Europe’s stingiest defences, so why stick that through the middle when there are other quality strikers in the national setup?

England have an abundance of central options in Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge – all three who possess a more predatory instinct in front of goal. If Walcott starts in attack against Estonia and scores a hatful, the pressure will be on Roy Hodgson to start him in attack in the future. He might score goals, he might play well, but for the most cohesive team geared towards success in France, he should be played on the right.