Walcott: Feels future is bright for England

The Three Lions crashed out on Sunday night after Italy beat them 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out following a goalless 120 minutes largely dominated by the Azzurri.

Ashley Young and Ashley Cole both failed from spot but Walcott has backed his team-mates to bounce back from the disappointment.

While saddened by the manner of England's exit, the 23-year-old Arsenal man believes his side should feel positive looking to the future.

"It's a very cruel way to go out in any competition but someone was going to go out and luck did not go our way," said Walcott.

"The two Ashleys are strong enough lads to come back from this and the lads will be with them.

"They are two of the most experienced players in that dressing room and they will bounce back from this even better players.

"I do not worry about that at all.

"We have got to look forward to the future. It is going to be bright, I am sure of that.

"The World Cup qualifiers are going to be tough. We have to learn some lessons as that is important for the young players - me being one of them."