I have been meaning to put pen to paper (finger to keyboard really) for some time about Theo Walcott. Having watched the England game against Mexico recently and heard the negative opinions on various radio shows the following day, I simply can’t hold out any longer.

All those who watch the Arsenal week in week out, saw what we have come to expect as the norm from Theo for England. Yes, there were flashes of blistering pace which had the opposing full back looking like he was treading water – but there were more occasions where he ran down blind alleys (not always with the ball under complete control), and his crossing was nowhere near the standard required at the highest level.

I, for one, have never been surprised at his regular turn out of average displays on the wing for either Arsenal or England. For this pattern to have continued over the last four years, there is only one person to blame in my opinion, and that’s Arsene Wenger. Now, this isn’t going to be an ‘Arsene’s got to go’ piece, as I absolutely adore Wenger (mostly), all he stands for and all he’s done (and will hopefully continue to do) for my beloved Arsenal. He’s just got it all wrong in my eyes when it comes to Theo Walcott, and I fear if it continues, it could ruin Theo’s career.

As far as doing well for certain players - just off the top of my head - Wenger prolonged the famous back fours’ careers by a few years – turned Petit from centre back to midfielder – Lauren from midfielder to full back – Toure from midfielder to centre back – Gibbs from left winger to full back – Henry from winger to striker (maybe it didn’t take a genius to make that particular swap), all very successfully.

Unfortunately, the experiment of making Theo a winger will never work, as it is glaringly obvious to me that he is an out and out striker, and always will be. He came through at Southampton as a striker. He scored countless goals at England Under 21 level as a striker, and when he comes off the wing for albeit brief periods, and plays within the width of the penalty box, he looks ten times more dangerous playing off the centre back’s shoulder than the full back’s. When you see the goals he’s scored against the likes of Chelsea in Cardiff, Villarreal at home in the Champions League two seasons ago, and even the goal up at Wigan a few weeks ago, they are not the finishes of a winger but an out and out striker.

The likes of Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Gary Lineker would have been just as ineffective on the wing as Theo is now, because they also were instinctive, natural front men.

Unfortunately, this particular square peg will never fit in the round hole that Wenger is looking for, so for me, it’s either use him up front with RVP or sell him to someone who will utilise his natural born ability as a striker, as he could be priceless to the national side for the next ten years if used properly. I mean, if Denilson can get about 50/60 games in a couple of seasons at his preferred position, Theo deserves a crack at his. If it doesn’t work out, then so be it. But it’s crazy to think that Bendtner has played more games for Arsenal on the wing than Theo has up front.

In closing, I tend to agree with the naysayers who I have heard saying that our number 14 shouldn’t be on the plane to South Africa in a week or so. He shouldn’t be there as a midfielder, as I think Lennon and SWP are better than Theo in that position – but he should be there as a striker.

I just hope I get to see Walcott given his chance in his natural position in an Arsenal shirt before too long, as it could be a missing link to some much needed success.

Come on Arsene – give him a chance at least.

(Ed's note – This piece was submitted before the weekend, and the author was obviously unaware that Theo would get the chop from the England squad for the finals. Plenty of views on the news that he did to follow…)