England cull Walcott
Fabio Capello has dropped Arsenal winger Theo Walcott from his final 23-man World Cup squad, but Gareth Barry will travel after passing a last-minute fitness test on his injured ankle.
The Arsenal winger has always said that he could not take his place at the finals for granted, but he did not see Capello's rejection coming.
"I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad going out to South Africa, but completely respect Mr Capello's decision," said Walcott. "I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they have a really successful tournament."
Capello had said that he could not find room for Walcott, Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips in his party, and opted to go with the Manchester City winger.
The other five players who were called by Capello to be told they would not be travelling were Tottenham's Michael Dawson, West Ham's Scott Parker, Sunderland's Darren Bent, Everton's Leighton Baines, and Manchester City's Adam Johnson.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.
Defenders: Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock.
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Forwards: Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney
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