England boss U21 boss Pearce to battle for Arsenal's Walcott

England U21 boss Stuart Pearce is determined to include Arsenal winger Theo Walcott in his squad for next year's European Championships.

Walcott is currently out until mid-February with a shoulder injury.

Pearce said: “He’s one of our best players. He’s proved that because he’s playing in the seniors now. It’s vital he’s there.

“I didn’t see Holland, the last winners of the Under-21 tournament, leave Ryan Babel out even though he had senior caps.

“As an Englishman it’s important I take the strongest squad to try and win the tournament.

“So when you say ‘Would I even ask for Theo Walcott?’ it’s not about ‘even Theo’ — it’s ‘especially Theo’.”