'I think Theo would make history' (From Witney Gazette)

'I think Theo would make history'

9:00am Wednesday 5th July 2006 in Witney

HE may not have kicked a ball in the World Cup, but Theo Walcott is still 'exceptional' and could have saved England in his grandfather's eyes.

Joe Walcott, the former mayor of Carterton, and grandfather of footballing 'wonderkid' Theo, was among millions who watched England lose after an agonising penalty shoot-out with Portugal on Saturday.

The 79-year-old from Carterton admitted he was disappointed his grandson did not get any pitch time, but said he would prove himself in the World Cup 2010. "It's a pity he didn't get a chance to play," Mr Walcott told the Gazette. "I am no expert on football, but I think he would have been able to put a couple of goals in on Saturday, particularly in the last ten minutes of extra time, when there were plenty of chances.

"Even so, it is marvellous he was picked to go to the World Cup as part of the England squad."