Pearce pleased with Walcott
Stuart Pearce gave many a striker sleepless nights with his fearsome approach to defending. But the England Under-21 manager admitted even he would have trouble putting the new-look Theo Walcott in his place. The Arsenal prodigy put in a captivating display as England cruised to a 2-0 victory against Bulgaria on Friday night.
Two electrifying runs in the first half offered glimpses of what was to come as the 18-year-old -pushed into his preferred central role after the break - dominated proceedings and would have bagged the match ball were it not for some inspired goalkeeping and uncharacteristic waywardness in front of goal.
Walcott's work was eventually rewarded with the award of an 82nd minute penalty after his adventurous run into the box was brought to an abrupt end by goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov.
The former Southampton starlet was visibly disgruntled at not being allowed to add the goal his performance merited as James Milner - the appointed penalty taker - pulled rank and slotted home the clinching goal.
Rather than castigate Walcott for what some may have labelled petulance, Pearce took the teenager's reaction as a positive sign and believes it demonstrated a new side to Walcott's game.
He said: "Credit to Theo. The way he was playing tonight I'm not surprised he wanted to put himself forward to take the penalty.
"I'm pleased Theo was desperate to get a goal for the team and credit to him, he's coming out of himself and is a big member of this squad.
"I thought consistently over 90 minutes he got me off my seat and excited me. I think his appetite to want to the play the game is great. He's full of it at the moment.
"He's playing for Arsenal a touch more regularly this season and I can see that in his demeanour.
"I draw positives from the penalty incident. Maybe a year ago Theo would have been a bit more introvert and not want to put himself up to take a penalty.
"Now all of a sudden he feels a big part of this team. The more he can come out of himself the more he will be a thorn in the opposition. I'd hate to play against him."
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