England’s World Cup nightmare starts early

London: And so it begins. And so starts the diminishing of Roy Hodgson’s already limited resources and the assault course of March and April, the Metatarsal Months, has still to be safely negotiated. Sadly, Theo Walcott may not be the last of England’s first-choices to succumb to the ravages of their physically demanding craft.

Most other countries can cope with absentees. England struggle. The first reaction on hearing the news that Walcott suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee against Spurs was overwhelming sympathy for one of the most likeable, decent guys in football, a sensible, dedicated professional.

Echoing his reputation at Arsenal, Walcott is incredibly popular around the England camp; team-mates and staff respect his ability and enjoy his company. He’s a good ambassador. Whenever tensions arise between the England dressing room and media, and sulky players slip into Greta Garbo mood, the FA knows that Walcott will always talk and talk well, representing the squad well. He’s the Gareth Southgate of this England generation.

England’s base in Rio will be a poorer place without the genial Walcott. His charismatic father Don will also be missed around the England scene. The second reaction to the sight of a thoroughbred turning lame is a reminder of the fragility of the footballer’s profession, that stars placed on pedestals are still made of flesh and blood, susceptible sinew and breakable bone.

Walcott will return strong, drawing on the memory of Robert Pires in 2002, but no amount of money flooding monthly into the bank account can anaesthetise the pain felt by a player who dreams of trophies and tournaments. Walcott is deprived of involvement in what could be a triumphant climax to the season with Arsenal and then denied a ticket to the greatest show in sport, the World Cup in Brazil.

The slow road to rehabilitation awaits while others are being driven to the airport and the flight to Rio via Miami. The third reaction is that England have been here before, that the time-scale for recovery could conceivably lead to another club-versus-country dispute. There exists the possibility that advancements in medical science, Arsenal’s expert care and the player’s own determination will accelerate healing within the six-month period stated by the club.

Any snatched photographs of Walcott returning to fitness in May, lapping the lush acres of London Colney, would guarantee a frenzy of headlines and speculation over his making the plane to the World Cup that takes off on May 29.

England must be responsible towards club and player, something they have not always been in the past. Arsene Wenger will want Walcott to spend the summer regaining fitness for next season.

Whatever the media pressure, Hodgson must take only fully fit players to a tournament where stamina will be so important, particularly for a team like England who have to run around a lot chasing squandered possession.

Arsenal have cover out wide, not with the defence-shredding pace of Walcott, but Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil have played there, Serge Gnabry is full of promise and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns shortly.

Walcott will still be missed by Arsenal but even more by England. Hodgson can look to Oxlade-Chamberlain. Tottenham players could come more to the fore with Andros Townsend starting and Aaron Lennon stepping into the squad. Raheem Sterling refinds form at the right time. But none possess that mix of speed, touch and improved decision-making and finishing as Walcott. His absence is a grievous blow for Hodgson.

The FA’s sport scientists gathered at St George’s Park will continue looking into the proliferation of injuries. Any analysis of Walcott’s incapacitation will examine his return from what Wenger referred to at the time as a “a little structural problem in his abdomen”. The winger felt the problem before Arsenal’s game against Marseille on September 18, played 78 minutes, and then had the operation. He returned against Southampton on November 23. Wenger eased Walcott back in, giving him 20 minutes against Southampton, 15 against Marseille, one minute against Cardiff City, 17 against Hull and 22 against Everton.

Wenger certainly did not rush him back: 75 minutes spread across in five games is responsible management. Walcott’s workload began increasing on December 14 against Manchester City. In 21 days, Walcott featured in six games, comprising four 90s (City, Chelsea, West Ham and Cardiff) and two 80s (Newcastle and Spurs). Wenger could perhaps have taken Walcott off against West Ham and Cardiff but the overall conclusion is that Arsenal’s manager acted correctly. Walcott has just been desperately unlucky.