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Cape Town - Arsene Wenger has backed Theo Walcott to regain his place in the England team after continuing his impressive form.
Walcott took his recent tally to four goals in three matches with a brace in the 2-0 win over FC Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
And Arsenal boss Wenger says the attacker has forced his way into the plans of interim England boss Gareth Southgate.
"The best recommendation is his performances. It's difficult to ignore him if you see him playing tonight. But I will leave that to Southgate now," he said.
Asked if a private chat was behind the upturn in Walcott's displays, the Frenchman responded: "Look, it's not the chat that makes you score goals. He assessed well where he stands, and rectified well what he had to add to his game.
"That's 95% down to him. It was a game of top quality in the first-half, the pace and technical quality of our movement. We created a lot of opportunities. I regret a bit we didn't take enough of the chances we created, but it's a good basis to have a thirst for more.
"In the second-half we eased a bit off, couldn't score the third goal, but it's hard to maintain that pace and accuracy in the passing and speed of the game for 90 minutes. The first-half was top, top quality like we produced against Chelsea.
"It's down to hard work, but also to belief. Belief comes with the last few results. The confidence comes from the last few results.
"We hadn't beat Chelsea at home for a few games, and now it looks like we're playing with full power and pace.
"Now it's about continuing to improve. We know we can be better. That will be down to humility, starting tomorrow morning again and focusing on the next game."
