Arsene Wenger has revealed he would be happy for Arsenal forward Theo Walcott to link up with Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the upcoming internationals.

Walcott returned to action for the Gunners on Saturday after coming off the bench with 10 minutes to go in the 3-0 victory against Burnley.

The England international looked sharp and came close to getting his first goal of the season as he tested Tom Heaton with a driven effort at the near post.

Arsenal have been unable to call on the speedy attacker since he picked up a serious knee injury in the FA Cup tie with Tottenham in January.

The 25-year-old also missed the World Cup in Brazil but he could find himself representing the Three Lions in the next round of European fixtures.

England can be backed at 1.08 to win their Euro 2016 qualifying group as they sit top with three wins from three and will host second-placed Slovenia at Wembley on November 15 before facing Scotland in a friendly two days later.

Wenger believes Walcott should be eased back but admitted that it would help his progress to get some game time under his belt.

He said: “Hopefully Theo will come on and have no setbacks now, but we always have to be cautious. The battle is not won yet – at nine or 10 months out, you have ups or downs and I will have to manage that well.

“If he wants to go (with England), I am happy for him to go and train, and maybe get a few minutes.

“I am happy for that because it will help his development. Is he completely ready? I think it is a bit early, but to be in the squad would be good for him.”