Roy Hodgson has wished Theo Walcott a “speedy recovery” and says the forward’s recent injury is a disappointment for both club and country.
Hodgson spoke to the 24-year-old, who has netted five times in 36 appearances for the Three Lions, after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee.
Walcott was carried off during Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup Third Round win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday and will be out of action for around six months.
Theo Walcott is carried off against Spurs
The prognosis means that he will miss the World Cup in Brazil this summer, but the England manager believes Walcott will return to fitness stronger than ever.
"I spoke with Theo and just wanted to express my disappointment to him,” Hodgson told TheFA.com.
“It is a blow for him personally of course, and for both Arsenal and England.
"We had quite a lengthy conversation and it is such a shame that we have lost a player of his calibre for the World Cup, he has been incredibly unfortunate and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
He added: "Having worked with him for two years as England manager I know the character he has, and I know he will come back even stronger from this setback."
