Walcott out of England friendly

Theo Walcott has become the fourth member of Roy Hodgson's England squad to pull out of Wednesday night's friendly against Italy in Berne.

Walcott reported for duty on Monday with a slight thigh problem which has not eased sufficiently for Hodgson to think it worthwhile for the Arsenal winger to make the journey to Switzerland.

A statement on the FA website read: "Walcott reported with a slightly bruised thigh and was unable to train fully, so has returned to his club as a precaution."

Gunners colleague Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, plus keeper Joe Hart and striker Daniel Sturridge have also pulled out, but Hodgson has opted not to bring in any replacements, other than Joleon Lescott who was called up on Monday.

Hodgson revealed Walcott picked up his injury in Arsenal's friendly against Cologne.

However, he hopes the forward will recover from the knock in time for the Gunners' opening Barclays Premier League encounter against Sunderland on Saturday.

"Theo took a kick on his thigh rather badly and we were rather hoping a couple of days would see him right again but unfortunately given the recovery time, we've had to leave him at Arsenal's training ground," Hodgson added.

"Hopefully he can recover in time for Saturday's game.

"I don't think it's a serious injury but it's a kick that takes one or two days to recover from."