It’s not often that you score an international hat-trick.

Rarer still when:

a) You aren’t expected by many to be in the starting line up and

b) You do so against a team that hasn’t ever been beaten in a competitive match on home soil.

So on the back of England’s extraordinary 4 – 1 win away to Croatia last night, it seems only right that today on Footy Boots we pay homage to 19 year Theo Walcott. Or, to put it another way, here’s a perfect excuse to put up some totally gratuitous images of the young man in his Nike Mercurial Vapor IV’s.

Theo Walcott Fact File

Born: 16th March 1989.

First club: AFC Newbury.

First Pro club: Swindon Town.

Noticed by Nike: As a 14 year old.

Youngest player: At 15 years, 175 days he became the youngest player to appear in the Southampton reserve team.

Youngest player x 2: At 16 years, 143 days he became the youngest player to appear for the Saints first team, coming on as a sub against Wolves in the Championship.

First senior goal: Against Leeds United on 18th October 2005.

Most expensive teenager: When he signed for Arsenal in January 2006 for an initial fee of £5 million (rising to possibly £12 million based on appearances for club and country).

World Cup controversy: Was selected by Sven Goran Eriksson for England’s World Cup squad in 2006. Didn’t make an appearance despite an injury to Michael Owen.

Premier League debut: 19th August 2006 versus Aston Villa.

Popularity: In the recent NIKEiD design competition, Walcott received more designs than the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, Rio Ferdinand, Carlos Tevez and William Gallas.

Least likely to say: “That Thierry Henry, I taught him all he knows.”

Most likely to say: “In bed by 8.30pm – sure thing Mr Capello.”

Nike Mercurial Vapor IV

Speed Plate

The Mercurial Vapor IV features Nike’s innovative Speed Plate technology designed to give players instant acceleration and make them fastest to the ball. Additionally, a re-engineered upper has been crafted not just to make players faster, but faster while dribbling and shooting.

Tactile Coating

In order to aid dribbling with the ball at speed, just one seam exists in the shoe’s upper material, while a new stitched stretch lace cover creates a cleaner ball contact area. The football boot is also wrapped in a clear tactile coating that creates a gripped surface for all playing conditions.

Vapor Traction System

The Mercurial Vapor IV’s Vapor Traction System broadens the scope of player fit; heel pods have been expanded laterally for more cushioning and extra protection. Stabilizing the foot, a form-fitting insert cradles the heel, while a Glass Fiber heel wrap provides lightweight stability with minimal slippage. All told, the comfortable ride of the Mercurial Vapor allows for sustained play at speed, keeping the ball where it should be: on your feet or in the net.