Fabio Capello has stressed the need for new England hero Theo Walcott to “keep his feet on the ground” after his stunning hat-trick against Croatia in the crucial World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night.
Walcott has been regarded as one of the nation’s brightest young talents ever since he was controversially named in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad for the 2006 World Cup at the tender age of 17.
But the hullabaloo that surrounded the former Southampton player just over two years ago will be nothing compared to the present media circus around the Arsenal player after his treble in Zagreb during England’s 4-1 win.
Walcott will now be catapulted into the limelight after becoming the first player to score a hat-trick for England in a competitive match since Michael Owen in the 5-1 triumph over Germany in Munich seven years ago.
It would be easy for any teenager who is less than level-headed to be carried away with events as Walcott’s treble put England in prime position already to qualify for the 2010 finals in South Africa.
But Capello will be grateful Walcott will be returning to club manager Arsene Wenger, who the Italian is sure will keep him focused solely on improving his game.
The Italian said: “I know Walcott will get a lot of publicity. I know that. It will be a problem for Arsenal, not for me! Theo is young with a big future but you have to help him.
“At this moment all the newspapers and the TV programmes will speak about Theo. He has to stay with his feet on the ground. This is very important.”