Theo Walcott could leave England squad at any time with wife Melanie expecting baby

THEO WALCOTT could leave the England squad at any time with wife Melanie poised to give birth.

By Jack Wilson                         

Theo Walcott could leave the England squad if his wife goes into labour

The Arsenal star and his childhood sweetheart partner are expecting their second baby this month.

England play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier on Friday before facing Spain in a friendly next week - but Walcott may miss either game if his missus drops.

Boss Gareth Southgate said: "Theo Walcott might have to disappear at any time as his wife is expecting so we are conscious of that.

“But until we've had the chance to assess a couple of scenarios we are not too sure.

"We have named 25 for that reason, because there a couple of knocks from yesterday that we are not totally sure about too.”

Kyle Walker and Danny Rose sustained knocks during Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal and they too are doubts.

Gareth Southgate spoke at a press conference today ahead of England v Scotland

And Southgate will also have to check on the fitness of Harry Kane before considering him for a start.

Striker Kane returned to action after seven weeks out with ankle trouble yesterday, scoring in a 1-1 draw from the penalty spot.

The England boss admits he would love to start Kane against Gordon Strachan's men but will make sure he is fully fit.

He said: "I think the first thing we have to do with Harry is check how he is after yesterday.

"I think Spurs, maybe with Dele missing as well, took a decision for what was a very big game for them.

"Of course we have a big game ourselves and will have to see what level he's at when he reports.

Gareth Southgate is a big Dele Alli fan

"But it was great to see him back and scoring and with a smile on his face at the end of the game."

Kane's Tottenham team-mate Alli suffered a knee injury in training which ruled him out against the Gunners and is expected to keep him sidelined for three weeks.

However, Southgate is confident England are well stocked in that position.

He said: "I think he's a super player, we like him a lot.

"We've worked with him at England since the Under-18s and younger so we know all about him.

 "It's a shame for us and it was a shame for him to miss the game yesterday and to miss the two matches that we've got, but we are very fortunate that we have a lot of very good players in that area of the field, so it's an opportunity for somebody else."
Jack Wilshere, on loan at Bournemouth from Arsenal, is back in the squad after impressing at the Vitality Stadium.
When asked what he had seen in Wilshere for the midfielder to earn a recall, Southgate said: "I don't think there has ever been any questioning of his quality.
"We've felt for a long time that he's a player that can play at the highest level, so I guess as much as anything it's been his match sharpness.
"The fact he's had three 90 minutes with Bournemouth and I've been to two of their other games, I think it's a good moment to bring him back into the squad."