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How England Can Cope Without Theo Walcott for World Cup Qualifiers
Published: September 24, 2013
While the exact date of his return from a stomach injury is unknown, his club have made it quite clear via their official Twitter account that he will not be available for England's final two vital World Cup qualifiers in early October:
Theo Walcott will have a minor procedure on his abdomen and has been ruled out until after the international break: http://t.co/xSMy37Jfcc
— Arsenal.com (@Arsenal) September 24, 2013 Those games, against Montenegro and Poland, will dictate whether England qualify directly for the finals in Brazil next summer, will need a playoff to reach the tournament or fail to qualify altogether.
Roy Hodgson would have hoped to have had as strong a squad as possible to pick from, but he will now be without the Arsenal man who has been a regular on the right flank.
England's needs
Hodgson, quite simply, cannot afford to fail to win both of these matches.
With one of his fastest and most direct attacking outlets gone, England's entire attacking plans may indeed have to change. Not noted for their patient, probing buildup play or particular prowess at scything through packed defences, playing through the spaces between centre- and full-backs could be key for England.
Walcott's pace will be a loss, then, though question marks remain over his end product at international level. He would almost certainly have been in the starting lineup had he been fit, though, so Hodgson must find the right alternative who can tip the attacking balance in his side's favour.
Alternatives to Walcott
Andros Townsend was in the last England squad, though as a left-footer he is much likelier to cut inside and narrow the attack than Walcott would have been. As he is an entirely in...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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