Wenger fear over Walcott workload

Walcott was picked for the England World Cup squad in 2006 aged 17

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott should not play for England and the Under-21s this summer.

There are World Cup qualifiers in early June, with the U-21's first game in the European Championships on 15 June.

"I don't want to stop Theo from playing for the Under-21s, but during the holiday period, they should choose one or the other," Wenger explained.

An FA spokesman said: "Conversations are ongoing and we want the best for the player and for the England teams."

Walcott's last international assignment resulted in him dislocating his shoulder in training for November's friendly against Germany and he was subsequently out for four months.

"My feeling is that I am against it, and I have let the FA know that he shouldn't play in both national teams during the holiday period," Wenger commented.

606: DEBATE Should Walcott be in both squads?

"It is difficult for us to accept that, but the rules are on the sides of the federation, and we cannot do anything about it.

"But I have let them know that it is not logical that he plays for the first team and the Under-21s during the holiday period, they finish on June 28 and we start training on July 6.

"Of course he wants to play, and I can understand that as well."

Wenger believes he has the understanding of England coach Fabio Capello, but not the U-21 boss Stuart Pearce, adding: "That is because Capello uses him and then after it is a problem for Stuart Pearce.

"I have nothing against the senior side, that is the normal Fifa dates. The basic problem is can you use a player for two different national teams during the holiday period?".

Pearce is expected to reduce his provisional 29-man squad to 23 on Wednesday.