Theo: Gerrard did not steal Alex’s moment

Gunner leaps to Stevie's defense

By Zain Alvi | 18th June 2012

England winger Theo Walcott has defended skipper Steven Gerrard for an incident that took away what was poised to be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first goal for the Three Lions.

Walcott came off the bench during Friday’s 3-2 win over Sweden and in his impressive substitute appearance, he was able to score the equalizer and assist Danny Welbeck’s match-winner to help England come from 2-1 behind to claim all three points.

However, that did not stop reporters from inquiring about another moment of his brilliance – when he had delivered a stunning cross for Arsenal teammate Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The 18-year old was in position to score before Gerrard entered the frame and latched on to the ball, which ultimately did not find the net.

Gerrard has not been at his absolute best in the two opening matches of Euro 2012 but Walcott insists that the captain is doing all he can to stay involved.

In fact, Theo argued that while some may think of Stevie as selfish for intervening with such a big moment for Oxlade-Chamberlain, even that particular play shows the high activity level of the Liverpool midfielder.

“I wouldn’t say Stevie took it off him. I think Stevie is such a great player he’s always going to be onto that,” Walcott was quoted on Arsenal’s official website.

He added: “But it doesn’t matter about who scores or doesn’t – it’s about the team and the three points.”

Three points is not even the absolute order of the day when England square off against tournament co-hosts Ukraine tomorrow; a draw would help them progress to the quarterfinals at the expense of Oleh Blokhin’s spirited side.