Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott revealed he completed his England hat-trick last night with just one boot!

Walcott, 19, said: "I actually played with one less stud in my right boot in the second half as it basically fell to pieces and I didn't want to change.

"That's why I finished the third goal with my left!"

It was the best goalscoring performance by an England player in a competitive match since Michael Owen's hat-trick sunk Germany in Munich seven years ago. There was more than a hint of vintage Owen too in the way Walcott ripped Croatia to pieces.

But the shy Gunners striker was more concerned about getting his team-mates to sign the match ball afterwards . . . and playing computer games.

He added: "We'll celebrate on the plane with a bit of PSP and then get home. My dad was actually here tonight, which I'm so glad about. He would have died if he didn't see it.

"There won't be anyone else in when I get home as my mum will be in bed. We'll celebrate tomorrow. I've got the ball in my bag. I'm going to get the lads to sign it and my shirt - then I'll put it in a frame.

"But I'm not going to get ahead of myself. I know what people will be saying about me but I will just ignore it and keep taking positives from the game.

"My family and friends have brought me up well, look after me and help keep my feet on the ground. That's what I've always been like and I won't change at all. I thought I'd taken too many touches on the last goal and it was a relief it went in."