Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was desperate for England star Theo Walcott to miss the U21 European Championships.

The Daily Mail says Wenger made three attempts to stop Walcott joining England for the European Under 21 Championships before accepting defeat.

Wenger discussed the issue twice with Walcott only for the proud 20-year-old to insist on both occasions that he wanted to play for his country in Sweden.

The Arsenal manager then urged U21 boss Stuart Pearce to omit the winger from his squad to protect him from burn-out next season.

Wenger believes the England camp are foolish to risk Walcott's long-term form and fitness ahead of next year's World Cup finals but Pearce refused to yield to pressure. He knows his argument is backed by FIFA rules but, more importantly, he had the player on his side.