Walcott - Friendlies are important

Rising star says Capello's men mean business against Czechs

Last updated: 20th August 2008

Theo Walcott Arsenal

Walcott: No such thing as a friendly

We have had meetings to try to get it into our heads that every game is a cup final with England.

Theo Walcott
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Theo Walcott says the England team have had meetings to drum home the importance of friendly matches.

In the past The Three Lions have often failed to perform when there has been little at stake, whereas their record in competitive matches is greatly improved.

England tackle Czech Republic in a friendly at Wembley on Wednesday in their final warm-up before getting their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign underway.

With such a serious set of qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia around the corner, Walcott has confirmed England will be on their game against the Czechs.

"We have had meetings to try to get it into our heads that every game is a cup final with England," he told the FA's official website.

No friendlies

"There are no friendlies. We have got to go out there and play well, win the game and take that into the qualifiers."

Walcott was Sven Goran Eriksson's surprise squad choice at the 2006 World Cup finals and the Arsenal ace is disappointed he was unable to add a European Championship to his CV last summer.

"It was a shame that we couldn't be there," he continued.

"Watching the Euros on TV, I thought it would have been great to be there, and having been to a World Cup I know what to expect."