The Arsenal winger seems certain to keep his place for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan after scoring a sensational hat-trick in last month's stirring 4-1 victory in Croatia.

Chelsea defender Terry has called for calm over assessments of Walcott's importance to Fabio Capello's team, but believes the 19-year-old and his attack-minded colleagues can thrive as long as they ignore the pressure of representing their country.

"The lads all said that Theo came out of his shell a bit on the last trip with England," Terry told The Sun.

"But let's not put too much pressure on him. He is an exciting talent and a really good player for the future and for this campaign.

"But we must not start saying it is all down to him and that he is the only way forward. We have the likes of Theo, Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole.

"Let's tell them all to play their normal game like they are back in the playground."