Theo Walcott has revealed his disappointment in not being picked for England’s provisional 23-man squad for this summer’s European Championships in France.
The Arsenal forward took to Twitter shortly after Roy Hodgson’s announcement of his squad, which features Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Walcott’s Arsenal teammate Jack Wilshere.
Despite frustrations at being omitted from the team, the 27-year-old insisted there is no hostility between himself, the squad or the England manager over the decision.
He tweeted on Monday: "I am of course disappointed not to make the squad, but I have spoken with Roy and respect his decision."
Walcott, who has earned 43 caps for his country, continued, saying that he hopes the Three Lions have a successful tournament.
"I wish Roy and all the team the best of luck for a successful Euro's," he added.
The news of Hodgson overlooking Walcott will not come as a surprise to many, with the Arsenal man's recent performances being called into question following his return of just five goals in 28 league appearances for the Gunners this season.
The winger, who can play up front, has been a mainstay for England since earning his first cap in 2006 at the age of 17, shortly before he earned a shock call-up to Sven-Goran Eriksson’s World Cup squad later the same year.
That created expectation of his potential ability that he has, thus far, failed to live up to.
Similar expectation is likely to build around 18-year-old United forward Rashford, who has been drafted into Hodgson’s set-up as a replacement for the injured Danny Welbeck ahead of Walcott.
Rashford has enjoyed a fine run of form towards the end of the Premier League season after making his debut for the Red Devils in the club's Europa League win over FC Midtjylland in February.
