Walcott scored twice in the 7-0 thrashing of Slavia Prague

Walcott, 18, was a shock inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson's 2006 World Cup squad but did not play in Germany.

Gunners boss Wenger said: "You complain you don't have many strikers and accuse Arsenal of not producing enough England players - Theo is one of them.

"He is intelligent, has fantastic pace and his technique is improving."

News conference: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

606: DEBATE Is Walcott good enough for England?

Walcott has already impressed on the international stage, becoming the youngest player to play for England when he came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 friendly win over Hungary in May 2006.

He then scored for England Under-21s on his debut in August last year - in a 2-2 home draw with Moldova - and followed that with two more against Germany to seal qualification to the Under-21 European Championship.

Arsenal v Slavia Prague player rater

Walcott's performance in the group game at the Emirates Stadium also struck a chord with BBC Sport website users, who have rated his display 8.80 out of 10 on the player rater.

However, while Wenger is confident that Walcott is one of England's outstanding prospects, he wants people to have patience with the teenager.

"Theo has the talent, that is why he is at Arsenal," continued Wenger.

"I'm convinced he has the talent and I'm convinced he has the ingredients in him.

"He is clinical in front of goal, he did not panic with the first one and with the second there was a really clinical finish.

"The problem is not to hurry too much, you need to be patient."

And former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, now plying his trade with Barcelona, echoed Wenger's sentiments after his side drew 0-0 at Rangers.

"You need to let him grow because whenever he doesn't play well everybody is having a go at him," said the Frenchman.

"Just remember he is young.

"He has all the qualities to do it but you need to let him grow."