Theo Is An 'Old Head On Young Shoulders'

AC3 believes that Sven's 'gamble' on taking Theo to the World Cup may not be such a gamble after all...

Ash said: "I've seen Theo in training and the pace he has can be used to our advantage.

"He came to Arsenal with a lot of pressure on him and it's increased now because he hasn't yet played for Arsenal and yet is in the England squad.

"But he's a great talent and once you see him in training you realise that. He's always going to be a threat if we use him up front and he is going to terrify some defenders. He has the pace to get in behind them.

"Is he the quickest player at Arsenal? I'd have to say it was once Thierry (Henry) but now it's out of Theo and Thierry. I've had to mark Theo and I know just how fast he is - very, very fast."

Ashley added: "Theo is only 17 but he doesn't play like a 17-year-old. It was like when you first saw Wayne Rooney coming through, playing with an old head on young shoulders. He's playing like an old hand.

"He's young but he's ready. He's also getting used to the way we're playing, the quick one-twos, and he really is one for the future. These sorts of tournaments can make your name. Hopefully, that's going to be the case with Theo and Aaron Lenn*n.

"I'm not surprised Sven has faith in Theo. I think Theo has something special. He caught my eye the first time I saw him at Arsenal. I've played in the reserves with him and he's a great player. He has no fear either.

"He reminds me of Wayne in some ways. It's like he's playing in school without a care in the world. You could say that's a weakness but I think we can use that freshness to our advantage.

"In a way he's nothing to prove because he didn't ask to be picked for the squad. Now he's got a chance to excel and show why Arsenal paid all that money for him."