Sven-Goran Eriksson has no regrets about pitching Theo Walcott into the frenzy of an England World Cup campaign.

The pair are due to come face-to-face today for the first time since England were dumped out at the quarter-final stage by Portugal last summer.

Although Walcott did not make an appearance in the tournament, in many ways he was one of its major stories as Eriksson plucked him out of the Arsenal reserve team and threatened to launch the 17-year-old rookie on to the biggest footballing stage of all.

Walcott is still not a regular starter for the Gunners, although he is set to make more than the 32 appearances he managed last term.

Some critics have suggested Eriksson's decision to pick him for England at such a young age had a detrimental short-term effect on his career.

However, the Manchester City boss argues otherwise.

''I didn't feel as though I was putting him under a lot of pressure,'' said Eriksson.

''In fact, I am sure about it because I checked that very carefully with those around him."

In fact, Eriksson is so convinced about Walcott's talent he believes the former Southampton player could eventually be a suitable replacement for Thierry Henry.

''Walcott will be a good player,'' said Eriksson.