
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at Theo
Walcott's expected selection for both the England senior squad and
U21 European Championships this summer.
The 20-year-old has been named in Fabio Capello's party to face
Kazakhstan and Andorra on June 6 and 10 respectively in the Three
Lions' 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
However, the former Southampton starlet is also set to be
included in the squad that travels to Sweden for the U21 European
Championships, with England's first group-stage match against
Finland on June 15.
The tournament lasts for two weeks - with England losing to
Holland in a marathon penalty shootout last time out - and Wenger
has revealed he has informed the Football Association of his
displeasure at the impending situation.
The Frenchman is unwilling to see his prize asset partake in so
much summer action, particularly as Walcott has endured an
injury-plagued campaign and is in need of a break.
"My feeling is that I am against it," he said.
"I let it be known to the FA that he should not play in both
national teams during the holiday period.
"It is difficult for us to accept, but the rules are on the side
of the federation and we cannot do anything about it.
"It is not logical that he plays for the first team and the U21s
during the holiday period.
"I do not want Theo to stop playing for the U21s, but I think
that during the holiday period he should choose one or the
other.
"He wants to play. The player wants to play and I can understand
that."