Theo eager for big role

Theo Walcott is definitely hoping to be bigger, stronger and faster this season.

The 21-year-old realises he must keep his pace if he is to make maximum use of his abilities as an England wide-man.

But the increasingly physical nature of the international arena means Walcott must also bulk up if he is to withstand the batterings he is likely to get.

"I have been going to the gym a bit more," he revealed. "Now, if I do get kicked, I just get up from it. That is when the left-back thinks: 'I am going to have a torrid time today.'"