Sven-Goran Erikson sprang a couple of major surprises when he announced his final 23 man squad earlier today.

It was a squad announcement that was expected to be as was widely predicted, but some of his inclusions sent shockwaves throughout the English game, and none moreso than the inclusion of 17 year old Theo Walcott. Walcott, who signed for Arsenal in January has yet to start a game for the Gunners and has played less than twenty games in his career.

It is a huge gamble as Walcott is one of only four forwards named in the squad, with two of the other forwards - Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney being doubts after suffering recent injuries with Rooney in particular not likely to make the tournament. The other forward named in the squad was Peter Crouch which saw surprise ommissions for Darren Bent and Jermaine Defoe who have performed well in the Premiership this season. 

There were surprises in midfield too as another 17 year old - Aaron Lennon of Tottenham has gatecrashed the squad thanks to an excellent final couple of months which has seen former 'bright young thing' Shaun Wright-Phillips left out and possibly ruing his move last summer to Chelsea which has saw his number of starts restricted this past season.

Stuart Downing has put his recent injury problems behind him to earn a place in the squad as an option on the left hand side - an indication that should Rooney and Owen struggle for fitness then Joe Cole could be played in a more advanced position.

There were no major surprises in midfield with stars David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard all expected to make major impacts whilst defensively the return to fitness of Arsenal's Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell saw them make the plane but Ledley King and Wes Brown miss out after featuring in recent squads.

The squad is rounded out with Paul Robinson, David James and Robert Green the nominated goalkeepers.

Erikson is not normally renowned as a gambler but he caught many observers off guard with the announcement today with Downing, Walcott and Lennon all exciting possibilities.

 The core of the team remains unchanged though with the big name players coming into their prime and England will start amongst the favourites, but so much of the hopes rest on the fitness of a certain Wayne Rooney.