Theo Walcott backs Raheem Sterling for England World Cup call

Injured Arsenal star Theo Walcott thinks that Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has a good chance of going to this summer's World Cup as his replacement.

Walcott will miss England's Brazil 2014 campaign with a cruciate ligament problem, but the 25-year-old believes that Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has plenty of talented players, including Sterling, that could thrive in his absence.

"The manager has some great young players to pick from," Walcott told The Sun. "Raheem has had a great season and been very consistent.

"Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have helped his game too, but it's not just that, he has had more assists, he tracks back and works hard for the team.

"He has a great opportunity. Then there's [Everton's] Ross Barkley, [Tottenham Hotspur's] Andros Townsend and [Gunners teammate] Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain too."

Sterling has been capped twice by England's senior side and has also represented his country at Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 levels.