Walcott tips Sancho for England success

Everton winger Theo Walcott thinks that Borussia Dortmund youngster Jadon Sancho can deal with the pressures of playing for England. 

Borussia Dortmund forward Sancho, 18, has been called up for Nations League games in Croatia on Friday and Spain on Monday, with many expecting him only to be called up to the U21 squad. 

Everton's Walcott was just 17 when he was a surprise pick for the 2006 World Cup - although he did not play in Germany - having not made a senior appearance for Arsenal at the time.

Despite the talent and bright future ahead, Walcott failed to live up to expectations for club and country, however he backs Scancho to succeed. 

"He can deal with it, he's been in the Dortmund dressing room, he's played at their stadium which is fantastic. He won't be fazed at all," Walcott, who has 47 England caps, told 'Sky Sports'. 

"It's completely different now, there are a lot of young players in that group. When I came through there was Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard - completely established players in the team - so it's a different environment I would say.

"Of course it's still daunting but when you get down on the field and play football that's all you want to do, you just want to play, it doesn't matter who it's for.

"You just want to go out there and do your best and I'm sure everyone will.

"The young players with England is fantastic to see and they've just got to take their chances. Good luck to them all", he added. 

Walcott has not played for England since November 2016