Liverpool and Chelsea target Theo Walcott told to focus on being a winger for Arsenal

PERRY GROVES has told Theo Walcott to give up on being a centre-forward and focus on his strengths.

Theo Walcott Player Profile

Roy Hodgson experimented with Walcott as a striker against Italy earlier this week but without much success.

In the past, it was thought that Walcott could emulate Thierry Henry by transforming from a wide player to a ruthless hitman.

And while Matt Le Tissier claimed that Walcott could thrive as a striker on a counter-attacking team like Chelsea or Liverpool, Groves says he should now pour all his energy into being the best right winger he can be.

He told talkSPORT: "Arsene Wenger said he was worried about Theo being a bit exposed from his experience playing up front for England against Italy, and he was worried about the psychological damage it could do to him.

"But I think it's probably done Arsene and Theo a favour because he struggled up front. He doesn't know what runs to make, and he doesn't understand the timings of his runs.

Just put it to bed Theo. You're not a centre-forward.

Perry Groves

"I think that's finally put to bed that Theo thinks he can play centre-forward and he can now concentrate on getting himself back in Arsenal's first team on the right, or on the right of a [front] three.

"Just put it to bed Theo. You're not a centre-forward."

This morning Arsene Wenger touched on the impact of Hodgson's experiment, saying: "Theo's strength is the quality of his movements, he wants to go to get on the end of things.

"He's not a guy who provides.

"Being exposed like that people have a harsh judgement on him that is not deserved.

"I am worried about Theo's confidence because he wants to do well. He's sensitive and I'm a bit concerned about the damage it can have on his mind."

Theo WalcottGETTY

Theo Walcott struggled as a striker
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