England coach Fabio Capello has explained why he dropped Arsenal winger Theo Walcott from his World Cup squad.

Capello admits he had to think long and hard before deciding to leave out Walcott, but believes the Gunners ace is yet to shake off the full effects of a succession of injuries.

"It was a really hard decision for me," he said.

"I know Theo Walcott was really important in the games we played in qualification. But after his operation on his shoulder he did not play a lot of games. He was not the same player we knew before the injury.

"I hope that he will be fit and over injury and he will be back in the team for the other qualifiers (Euro 2012). It was hard for me, but we had to choose the best players for the squad."

Walcott had been hoping to benefit from David Beckham's absence this summer, with the former national skipper ruled out of World Cup action with an Achilles injury.

He is, however, still part of the England set-up, with Capello keen to have him around the camp to help raise morale and give important input from a players perspective when required.

"He is not a coach," said Capello on Beckham's role.

"He trained and it is important to have him because he is a symbol of England. He did not want to go on holiday, he wanted to stay with us.

"He will be important for the other players. He is part of my team, but he is not a coach."