FA Cup

Nigel Winterburn: 'Theo Walcott is big, big loss'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 06 January 2014

Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn believes that Theo Walcott will be a "big, big loss" for England at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn has expressed his belief that Theo Walcott will be a "big, big loss" for England at this summer's World Cup.

Walcott was ruled out for at least six months with a ruptured ACL sustained during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on Saturday, ruling him out for the rest of the season and beyond.

Winterburn acknowledged that England have a number of players who can fill in for the 24-year-old on the right wing, but believes that they will still miss his ability to change a game.

"We've got players that can play on that right hand side but the problem is you want all your top players," Winterburn told Sky Sports News.

"You want players that can change a game, individually and collectively. A lot of people talk about Theo Walcott, saying 'he can't do this, he can't do that'. But his pace frightens defenders and his finishing is dramatically improved over the last couple of seasons.

"He will be a big, big loss to England."

There was some good news for Walcott today as he was spared disciplinary action by the FA for a gesture made towards Tottenham fans during Saturday's match.