Former England youth international John Curtis has insisted that Theo Walcott will be "missed" by the Three Lions at this summer's World Cup.

The Arsenal winger will almost certainly be absent from the tournament in Brazil following the recent revelation that he has damaged the cruciate ligament in his left knee.

His likely omission prompted Paul Parker to insist that England's chances of success would not be hampered, but Curtis has told Sports Mole of his belief that Roy Hodgson has lost a key option.

"Whether or not he would be one of the players that starts every game, probably not, but because of his pace he would make a big difference coming on. Absolutely he will be missed. Hodgson will have been disappointed when he heard the news of his injury," said the 35-year-old.

"It's unfortunate for him because at his first World Cup he was too young, then he didn't get picked for the last one. Even though he didn't play [in 2006], any experience of a major tournament could have proved to be crucial. It's bad news for England."

Walcott has scored seven goals in 21 appearances for club and country this season.