Stuart Pearce insists Theo Walcott could force his way into England's senior squad for next Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Belarus should the opportunity arise.

Walcott is part of Pearce's Under-21 set-up as they prepare for tomorrow's European Championship qualifier against Macedonia at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

The Arsenal winger injured his back in pre-season and only returned to action as a substitute in Sunday's 6-2 triumph over Blackburn.

As a result of Walcott's lack of match fitness, Fabio Capello left him out of the England squad for the double header against Ukraine and Belarus.

But boss Pearce said: "If Theo does play and comes through the game unscathed tomorrow and there's one or two injuries in Ukraine, then there might be an opportunity. If he wasn't here I don't think he would be considered."