England winger Theo Walcott has stated that he is looking to finally make an impression with the Three Lions at a major tournament.
The Arsenal player, who missed the 2014 World Cup with injury, was restricted to appearances from the bench at Euro 2012, although he did score a crucial equaliser in the 3-2 win over Sweden in the group stage of that tournament, while he was left out of the squad for World Cup 2010.
Walcott has said that his previous experiences of tournament football have only made him more determined to succeed at Euro 2016 in France.
"The injuries I've had stunted this progress but I have to take my Arsenal form into my England career now," the 26-year-old told the London Evening Standard. "That's the next stage. I'm getting more and more chances for Arsenal and I need to play well for them but then take that into England form.
"It is a good opportunity for a lot of players to stamp their authority on a tournament and I'm one of them. There is a lot of competition for places which is healthy. It bodes well for the Euros. To be coming off the bench is a nice option but I want to be doing it from the start now.
"It took me a while to get back to where I wanted to be but I am probably in a better place than I have been. I have looked after myself."
Walcott has scored 12 goals in his last 14 Premier League starts for Arsenal playing as a central striker.
Steven Toplis
