Eriksson gives youth a chance with Walcott

LONDON, May 9 (Reuters) Sven-Goran Eriksson's audacious selection of untried 17-year-old Theo Walcott for his World Cup squad shows just how much he fears losing the creative spark of Wayne Rooney.

Walcott, who is now set to break Rooney's record as England's youngest player later this month, was a shock choice yesterday as Eriksson tried to plan for the Manchester United striker's absence.

Though included in the squad, Rooney's broken foot means he is bound to miss at least the group phase in Germany -- if not the latter stages as well if Eriksson's men get that far.

His injury more than a week ago has been a devastating blow to England's hopes and has cast a shadow over the domestic game.

''I think it was time to come in with something new, something good and I think the players are very excited about it as well,'' Eriksson told reporters after selecting Walcott.

Arsenal's teenager, like Rooney, would occupy the space behind England's main front man Michael Owen, using his pace to run at defences from outside the area.

''He's best as a second striker, playing just behind a striker,'' Eriksson said. ''But he's a different player to Rooney, of course.'' One of the differences is the experience to go with the talent.

Walcott may have caught the eye of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger but the Frenchman has yet to play him since paying Southampton an initial five million pounds for his services in January.

Another important difference is that Rooney will always start every England game for which he is fit.

Walcott seems more of a substitute to be thrown into the closing stages of a game when opponents are beginning to tire and the teenager can drill holes in their defences.

''I don't think that Walcott or Arsene Wenger think that he's going to play seven games of 90 minutes at the World Cup,'' said the Swede.

''But if he's sitting on the bench and you see there's space out there, and a chance to use his pace, I think that is the meaning.'' More Reuters AY GC1038