T.J. and the Hat-trick

Theo Walcott was born on 16 March 1989 and grew up near Newbury. After joining the youth scheme at Southampton, he became the Saints' youngest ever player, before joining Arsenal in January 2006. Following his surprise selection in Sven-Göran Eriksson's World Cup squad, Theo set another record in making his England début at the age of just 17 years and 75 days, and was named the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2006.He has now played more than 300 times for Arsenal and is fast approaching 100 goals for the Gunners, including the goal that set them on the way to victory in the 2015 FA Cup Final. In September 2008 he also became the youngest player to score a hat-trick for England, for whom he now has nearly 50 caps.

Theo's own story of developing his exceptional speed and striking skill that in the book causes him to fell the irate head teacher but in reality made him the fleet-footed darling of the Emirates at only 17 is threaded through the story. Good on detail, nicely written with a light humorous touch, Theo shows as sure a foot in print as on the pitch.