Arsenal striker Theo Walcott set for England start as contract talks continue

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is reportedly set to make his first start for England in over a year when the Three Lions take on Slovenia in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday, 13 June, while positive talks over a new contract continue.

According to the Mirror, England manager Roy Hodgson is planning to draft the Gunners forward into the team and he is set to occupy one of the spots on the forward line in place of Raheem Sterling, who was poor during the Three Lions recent clash against Ireland.

The 26-year-old forward has had a difficult season, as he continues his comeback from a long-term knee injury, which saw him miss football for over a year. He only made his return to the north London club's first team late last year, but Arsene Wenger has used him sparingly, giving the forward time to get back to full fitness.

Walcott seems to have rediscovered his form, as he had a strong end to the season, where he scored three goals in the Gunners' final game of the season against West Bromwich Albion as well as opening the scoring during Arsenal's comfortable victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup finals.

This has prompted the England boss to recall the former Southampton player into the starting XI, but it is unlikely that he will be given the central striker's role, that Wenger entrusted him with for Arsenal's final games of the season.

The Emirates Stadium outfit are also in negotiation with Walcott over a new contract with the striker's current deal set to expire next summer. Wenger is keen for the striker to remain with the club and give them his best years as a footballer.

The French manager has revealed that talks are ongoing with his representatives, and in a boost to the club, the report claims that there has been a positive outcome in the discussions and the striker is most likely set to agree a new deal to remain with the north London club for the foreseeable future.