German talks England’s ‘special’ moment

Mertesacker supports Theo and Alex

By Zain Alvi | 18th June 2012

Germany defender Per Mertesacker has described England’s second goal against Sweden as a special moment for Arsenal teammate Theo Walcott.

Walcott had come off the bench in the Sweden match after not featuring in the Three Lions’ tournament opener versus France.

It took him little time to settle in and revive his team’s comeback with a stunning goal and a fine assist.

While the winger subsequently admitted to frustrations regarding limited playing time, fellow Gunners Mertesacker has urged him to celebrate the unforgettable moment he created for himself and the Lions.

In his statement to Arsenal.com, Mertesacker also made it a point to praise the role that Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has played for England in Euro 2012 so far.

“I’m very pleased for Theo and Alex. They were both in and out of the team, but then Theo scored and it was a special moment – it always is when you have to wait for your chance and then play like that,” Mertesacker said about the duo.

Mertesacker is facing a similar dilemma to Walcott in that he has not featured for the Germans as much as he would have liked at the beginning of the tournament.

However, given that they finished the group stage with a perfect record, the 27-year old has no complaints ahead of Friday’s quarterfinal against Euro 2004 winners Greece.