Walcott out of England qualifiers

Theo Walcott has been ruled out of England's World Cup double-header with a groin strain, Press Association Sport understands.

Walcott suffered the injury in training on Thursday night and will fly back to England, where he will be assessed by his club Arsenal.

It is anticipated the winger will be sidelined for between seven and 10 days. It had been anticipated the 24-year-old would start Friday night's encounter with San Marino. Instead, he misses both that game, and Tuesday's crucial trip to Montenegro.

In addition, Walcott is a doubt for Arsenal's Premier League encounter with Reading at the Emirates Stadium on March 30.

The Football Association has yet to comment on Walcott's injury.