England national team legends Alan Mullery and Sir Geoff Hurst have backed the decision of Fabio Capello to axe Arsenal winger Theo Walcott from the final squad.

The Italian tactician named his final 23 today and there was no sign of Walcott raising the eyebrows of many but there are at least two men who agree the speedy 21-year old should not be there.

"I didn't think [Capello] would pick Theo Walcott because he doesn't seem to have improved over the last year or so," Mullery told Sky Sports News.

"It doesn't surprise me, though it might surprise a lot of people because they will say he has got great pace."

Hurst added: "I've seen him play for Arsenal on the box in the latter part of the season.

"He's had injury problems and I don't think he's replicated his England form towards the back end of the year."