Walcott will be world-class: Cole

Joe Cole has backed Theo Walcott to become a key man for England - even though it could mean the Chelsea man drops out of Fabio Capello's team.

Cole believes the 19-year-old is ready to lead an improved Arsenal bid to end Manchester United and Chelsea's stranglehold on the Barclays Premier League title, and he has tipped Walcott to force his way into Capello's plans.

"I was really impressed with the way Theo Walcott finished the season," Cole told the Daily Mirror. "If people aren't demanding he's in the England team, they're writing him off. But I think he'll develop into a world-class player if people just give him some space to express himself."

Cole expects the Blues and United to be pushed all the way by the Gunners and Liverpool in this season's title race, but believes their inability to win when playing badly could ultimately cost them.

"Manchester United and Chelsea have learnt how to win games in different ways, but Liverpool and Arsenal are different," he said.

"They are both great sides on their day, but maybe they don't win enough games when they don't play well.

"Both are improving, though, and they'll push us all the way this season."