Walcott makes impact in U-21 draw

Theo Walcott made an instant impact on his England Under-21 debut, heading in the opener in the 2-2 draw against Moldova in a European Championship qualifier at Portman Road.

Walcott's debut could not inspire a win, though, with Moldova levelling through Serghei Alexeev's chip.

David Nugent restored the lead immediately but Alexandr Zislis levelled for a second time after coming on as a substitute.

In becoming England's youngest Under-21 player, Walcott offered a glimpse of his explosive talent before fading and getting substituted in the second half.

Despite England's qualification for next year's finals tournament now being in doubt, the clash in Suffolk will inevitably be remembered because of Walcott's debut.

The 17-year-old had not started a game since Southampton's defeat to QPR in January and he looked short of match-practice and touch at times, dragging himself wide in a similar style to Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry in search of the ball.

His debut Under-21 goal, however, relied more on instinct than the pace which persuaded Arsene Wenger to invest in the youngster.

Tom Huddlestone calmly floated the ball out wide in the third minute and it was eventually worked to Leighton Baines, with the Wigan full-back's cross from the left finished by Walcott despite the efforts of goalkeeper Llie Cebanu.

Such a positive start lifted the crowd but also meant Peter Taylor's youngsters sat back on their lead.

Walcott saw little of the ball, while his team-mates initially had the look of a pre-season squad waiting for the pace of competitive league football.