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Walcott axed from England's World Cup squad

Theo Walcott started both pre-World Cup warm-up games © Getty Images

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Theo Walcott is the shock omission from England's 23-man squad for the World Cup, while Gareth Barry is included despite doubts over his fitness.

Joe Cole's performance in the final warm-up game against Japan, where he created England's winner, earned him a place on the plane to South Africa.

The seven players omitted from the initial squad of 30 were Walcott, Darren Bent, Michael Dawson, Scott Parker, Leighton Baines, Tom Huddlestone and Adam Johnson.

Arsenal midfielder Walcott started each of England's most recent two matches, but it seems he did not do enough to impress manager Fabio Capello.

Walcott took his omission on the chin, as he said: "I am very disappointed not to be included but completely respect Mr Capello's decision. I would like to wish team best of luck."

His omission is a boost for Shaun Wright-Phillips, who will be a candidate to seal the right-wing berth in the starting XI - despite falling out of favour at Manchester City towards the end of last season.

His club team-mate Barry has undergone a rigorous series of tests since picking up an ankle injury during Manchester City's loss to Spurs on May 5. Capello gave him until the latest possible moment to prove his fitness, and the Italian would appear to have received the assurances that he needed.

The midfielder is not expected to be fit for England's opening game against USA on June 12 - where Michael Carrick will come into contention for a place - but should be available for the remaining group matches against Slovenia and Algeria.

Aston Villa left-back Warnock, who has just six minutes of experience in an England shirt, is a surprise inclusion at the expense of Baines.

England's squad for the 2010 World Cup

Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Robert Green (West Ham)

Defenders: Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Matthew Upson (West Ham), John Terry (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur), James Milner (Aston Villa)

Strikers: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur)

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.