Southampton attacker Theo Walcott says England boast the best midfield at the World Cup.
Walcott also made a bold claim that with West Ham captain Declan Rice and Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham in the squad England have the two best midfielders in the tournament. The former Arsenal winger was only 16 when he was called up for the World Cup in 2006 and reflected on that experience as he waxed lyrical about Dortmund teenage star Bellingham.
“I was a kid, who (at the time) didn't feature in the Premier League. Jude (Bellingham) is a bit of an exception, I would say, he is playing in the Champions League at such a young age and he is being exposed, but playing," said Walcott.
“I was never playing in the Premier League, then I was exposed to the World Cup, then it sort of I was like a rabbit in headlights. It was scary. It was more scary because, my wife right now, was followed by paparazzi continuously. I don't think it happens anymore. That was just so surreal.
“What I like about the players right now is that they are taking in the media side of it. They want everyone involved. I think you want to be in there with them for the whole journey.
“I think Jude is an exception. I think he's a future captain as well. I know there will be a bit of competition between him and Declan Rice. I would argue, we have two of the best midfield players going into this tournament."
