Theo Walcott set to make England comeback alongside Harry Kane

Walcott is set to make his first start for England in over a year after missing the better of this season and the last with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, according to the Guardian.

The Arsenal star will partner Harry Kane as the front two in a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond setup with Wayne Rooney being the tip of the formation and Phil Jones as the base. Walcott will add some much needed pace to the attack in the absence of Danny Welbeck, who sustained a knee injury during the match against Lithuania.

Walcott will do well to replicate Welbeck's form, who is the highest scorer in the European Qualifiers; and had scored and assisted a goal in their 4-0 thrashing of Lithuaina in their last game.

Walcott needs to have a good game to get himself back into the good books of Arsene Wenger and Roy Hodgson, who prefer using Welbeck instead of Theo owing to the former's propensity to track back and put in a defensive shift.

However, the onus will be on Kane to deliver, who has been in exemplary form this season, storming his way into his first start as an England player after only making the Tottenham squad this season.

Kane came on as a second half substitute against their European rivals last week to open his account in under two minutes, creating a frenzy around the English contingent, who are looking up to the youngster to lead their European charge next season.

Kane's performance has also initiated talks about him winning the PFA Player of the Year award, which was won by Gareth Bale last year after a wonderful season with Tottenham.

Meanwhile, for Walcott, it has not been happy sailing since returning from injury, with talks of a standoff over his contract rife in the media. The Gunners are reportedly looking at other options should Walcott refuse to relent, with Paulo Dybala and Raheem Sterling being seen as possible candidates for a move.