Sven-Goran Eriksson has defended the selection of teenager Theo Walcott in his 23-man squad for the World Cup finals, despite the Arsenal youngster not being used at all.

Injury to Michael Owen left Eriksson with only Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch as his attacking options, having seemingly decided not to use Walcott despite selecting him ahead of the likes of Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent.

Eriksson said: "I think you forget one important thing when you ask me if I regret my squad. Where are the other big strikers in England?

"I'm sure that I took the right players, absolutely. Not for my benefit, but this will serve Walcott extremely well for the future.

"He has learned. He has been in a World Cup tournament, knowing how it is, that will be very good for him.

"Where are all the strikers who can score at this level?"