Sven Goran Eriksson was surprised by the World Cup axing of Arsenal winger Theo Walcott.

Eriksson took a 17 year-old Walcott to Germany for the 2006 World Cup.

A hat-trick in a World Cup qualifier against Croatia in September 2008 only enhanced his chances of playing in South Africa, but Capello opted to leave him out of this year's squad.

Asked whether he was surprised at the slow pace of Walcott's development, Eriksson, who will coach the Ivory Coast in the finals, told BBC Radio Five Live: "Yes I'm surprised because four years ago he was the golden boy, or (showed that he) can be the golden boy.

"Maybe the expectation on him was too big, I don't know. The only person that can speak about that is Wenger. Four years ago I thought he could be a great player - and he still can be of course."