Walcott backed to lead England line in Euro 2016 qualifiers

Theo Walcott should start up front for England in the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania, according to Francis Coquelin and Thierry Henry.

The forward has been regularly deployed as a striker by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger this season and again led the line as the Gunners thrashed Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday.

Walcott did not score in the victory – Alexis Sanchez netted a brace and Mesut Ozil was also on target – but Coquelin believes his team-mate proved his worth in the attacking role.

"He has shown everyone he can play in this role up front,” he told reporters.

“It was not only offensively, what he did defensively was amazing. He was defending, chasing the ball. It makes things easier for us at the back.

“When he is in this kind of mood he is not far off being unstoppable.”

Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Danny Ings join Walcott as Roy Hodgson’s attacking options and Henry also believes Walcott should get the nod to lead the line for the Three Lions.

“He wasn’t selfish. He set up goals, held up the ball, showed a great awareness for Alexis Sanchez’s first assist in the game,” he told Sky Sports.

"He didn’t score but he was a threat. There was desire, two assists and the crowd loved it.

“With what he did against United and the way he has been answering the call recently – if he can play like that every weekend he has to start.”

Walcott has scored seven goals for England since making his debut in 2006.