Theo Walcott: 'England future is bright'

Theo Walcott has insisted that England have a bright future on the international stage despite being dumped out of Euro 2012 on Sunday.

The Three Lions lost on penalties to Italy in the quarter-finals of the tournament after Ashley Young and Ashley Cole missed their spot-kicks following a goalless 120 minutes.

The Arsenal winger came on as a second-half substitute and is already looking ahead to the World Cup qualifiers later this year.

"We have got to look forward to the future. It is going to be bright, I am sure of that," said Walcott.

"The World Cup qualifiers are going to be tough. We have to learn some lessons from tonight as that is important for the young players - me being one of them."

Italy will now play Germany on Thursday in the semi-final.