Two decades ago, Sven-Goran Eriksson stunned the football world.
England were preparing for the World Cup in Germany, with their manager having plenty of A-listers to call on. From David Beckham to Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard to Steven Gerrard, John Terry to Rio Ferdinand, there was certainly no shortage of talent.
But Eriksson felt the Three Lions needed something special, and unpredictable, in order to reach the summit of world football.
So he decided to gamble, naming a 17-year-old Theo Walcott in his squad to the surprise of everybody.
Walcott had established himself as the country’s next greatest wonderkid at Southampton, having made his debut for the club at the tender age of 16 years and 143 days old.
That first appearance for the Saints came in a 0-0 Championship draw with Wolves in August 2005.
Walcott had, at the time of his call-up, scored four goals in 21 league appearances for Southampton – with another coming in the FA Cup.
He had also sealed a move to Arsenal, though he’d only move to north London at the end of the 2005/06 campaign.
England brought a 17-year-old Theo Walcott with them for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, though he failed to play a single minute
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GETTY
It was a surprise that raised eyebrows, especially given the calibre of players that missed out.
Jermaine Defoe was one, with the forward – who would proceed to score a staggering 162 goals in 496 appearances during his Premier League career – forced to watch the showpiece event from home.
Darren Bent, another striker fondly remembered for his prowess in front of goal, was also snubbed.
Ultimately, it was a decision that backfired. Walcott spent the entirety of the tournament watching from the sidelines, with Eriksson refusing to give him a single minute.
Thomas Tuchel is preparing for this summer’s World Cup, with England to face Uruguay and Japan in friendlies
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GETTY
All these years on, it remains a decision as baffling as it was bold.
Fast-forward to now, as England prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, another talented teenager is starting to make a name for himself.
Max Dowman has found himself thrust into the spotlight, having come off the bench to fire Arsenal to a crucial 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton last weekend.
Aged just 16, he’s found himself compared to both Lionel Messi and Kaka this week. Elite company, for somebody with just 43 league minutes under his belt.
Given Dowman’s obvious talent, some feel he could be a wildcard pick for England this summer as they target glory on the biggest stage of all for the first time since 1966.
But manager Thomas Tuchel, speaking on Friday, confirmed that he had no plans to bring the youngster into the international fold.
“He is an outstanding talent,” said the former Bayern Munich, Chelsea, PSG and Borussia Dortmund coach.
“Everyone I speak to is full of compliments about him, but the reality is he competes for minutes at Arsenal and is not a regular starter.
Max Dowman scored as Arsenal beat Everton on Saturday night, but he won’t be going to this summer’s World Cup
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PA“He is in the best environment possible in a stable and competitive club. He learns from the very best.
“He is in a good spot to fight for minutes at Arsenal. There is always a chance. The key with young players is to keep their momentum going as they have a level of fearlessness.
“There is no need to call him up now and increase the pressure.”
History, it seems, won’t repeat itself.
England’s squad for upcoming friendlies with Uruguay and Japan is stacked with talent, which bodes well ahead of the summer.
Who makes the cut for the World Cup, and who misses out, remains to be seen.
