Arsene Wenger fears Theo Walcott could suffer a backwards step in his career if he drops down to the England under-21s for the European championship finals next year.

Walcott, 19, stole all the headlines when he netted a memorable hat-trick for England in their recent World Cup qualifier against Croatia but the Arsenal forward has also been a major player for England's under-21s.

Wenger is clear he would not stand in his way, but added: "When they go from a top team to the under-21s with all the examples I have seen it doesn't really work. I have seen it many times with young players and it has never worked very well."

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Inter defender Marco Materazzi suffered a thigh strain in the 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen in the Champions League, the Serie A champions said on their website (www.inter.it).

The centre back looks set to miss Italy's World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Montenegro this month as media reported that the injury is likely to sideline him for 20 days.

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Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba has retained his place in the Congo squad to play an away World Cup qualifier in Sudan next weekend.

It will be the second game back for the tall centre back after almost two years without international football.

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