England's World Cup Team Includes Teenager

Arsenal's Theo Walcott was placed on England's World Cup team yesterday even though the 17-year-old striker has never played in a Premier League game.

England Coach Sven Goran-Eriksson also included injured stars Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen as well as several other players who have barely kicked a ball the last few months.

Walcott joined Arsenal from second-division Southampton when he was 16. Eriksson has never seen him play in person.

"Maybe it is my biggest, bravest, boldest gamble," Eriksson said. "If you take a 17-year-old boy to the World Cup, of course you cannot be sure."

Eriksson must submit his final 23-man squad by Monday. He will leave as England's coach after the World Cup and will be replaced by his assistant, Steve McClaren .

Eriksson is counting on Rooney to be healthy at some point for the tournament, which begins in Germany June 9 and ends July 9. The Manchester United striker broke a bone in his foot against Chelsea 10 days ago and is doubtful for three group games.

Owen has struggled to recover from a broken toe Dec. 31 and has played only 30 minutes in 2006.

Rounding out the provisional squad are goalkeepers Paul Robinson , David James and Robert Green ; defenders Rio Ferdinand , Ashley Cole , John Terry , Wayne Bridge , Sol Campbell , Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher ; midfielders Frank Lampard , Steven Gerrard , David Beckham , Joe Cole , Owen Hargreaves , Michael Carrick , Jermaine Jenas , Aaron Lennon and Stewart Downing ; and forward Peter Crouch .

-- From News Services