Euro 2012: England will improve under Hodgson, says Walcott

Theo Walcott is confident England will continue to improve under Roy Hodgson in their World Cup qualifying games following a promising start to the manager’s reign at Euro 2012.

England were knocked out on penalties by Italy as Cesare Prandelli’s side held their nerve to seal a 4-2 shootout victory and move into the semi-finals.

“I think that, in a short amount of time, the way Roy got the team to play was great to watch at times,” Walcott, who was a second-half substitute against Italy, told FourFourTwo.

“We are only going to be better players going into the World Cup qualification matches because we will learn more. We will play teams that aren’t as good as those we have played in this competition.”

The 23-year-old believes the experience of losing the quarter-final on penalties will be vital for England’s youngsters such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and the Arsenal forward himself going into the World Cup in Brazil.

“There are a lot of young players who have gained good experience, me being one of them,” he continued.

“Going into the next tournament, we will be better and there are loads more players who can get into this team as well.

“It is most important that we have a rest now because it has been a long season for everyone. I am not going to think about football. I think it is important to rest mentally, not just physically, because it’s always up and down and can be tough.”

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Read more on: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arsenal, England, Euro 2012, italy, jordan henderson, theo walcott.