Carterton couple Loretta and Joe Walcott will be glued to their television next month as they root for grandson Theo - the shock inclusion in England's World Cup squad.

The 17-year-old Arsenal striker was picked for the 23-man provisional squad by England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, despite never having seen him play a match, and could replace injured Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

Mr Walcott, chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council and his wife, the former mayor of Carterton, said they were thrilled.

Mr Walcott, 79, said: "My wife and I are delighted. We are his grandparents and we're very proud that he has been selected.

"The phone hasn't stopped ringing."

The couple, of Queens Road, Carterton, are originally from Jamaica and have lived in Carterton for 30 years. Theo is one of 11 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Originally from the village of Compton, Berkshire, Theo played for AFC Newbury before being taken on by Swindon Town.

He later joined Southampton, playing for the reserves aged just 15 before breaking into their first team.

Arsenal signed him in January in a deal that could be worth up to £12.5m.