Theo Walcott welcomes David Beckham's cross word for England

David Beckham has no coaching role with England but the presence of the injured midfielder is still felt. Theo Walcott testifies to the influence that the veteran has had on him and others in Fabio Capello's squad. Beckham has reassured the 21‑year‑old Arsenal player over his crossing. "He has always told me to deliver the ball in the space," Walcott said. "If there is no one there, it is not your problem. Someone should get on the end of it. That is what he has done. He is a fantastic crosser of the ball and having him there can only help." Fabio Capello has been very clear that Beckham will do no coaching at the World Cup and that the 35-year-old, who ruptured an achilles tendon, must travel in South Africa as an ambassador for the 2018 World Cup bid. Nonetheless, the veteran does still appear significant to people like Walcott. "If you see someone who has won so many things," he said, "having him around can only help." Walcott is heartened to have started against Mexico on Monday, because he has rivals in Aaron Lennon, Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips for the position on the right and the squad will be trimmed to 23 on Tuesday. "It is great competition to have and [Capello] always likes us to stay out wide to have that different option," he said. Despite the hat-trick in Zagreb, Walcott feels that he is asked to stay nearer the touchline for his country then he does for Arsenal. He believes that stretching the opposition can open up channels for players such as Steven Gerrard. With Capello in charge, Walcott is also getting accustomed to tracking back to cover. The player talks of his disappointment at not appearing on the pitch when in England's 2006 World Cup squad, but he was just 17. Although is status is naturally higher now, convincing Capello will be hard work for him, Lennon and others.