Theo Walcott wants to follow the path of Cristiano Ronaldo by adding a final ball to his other attributes but will do it in his style.

It has been two-and-a-half years since Walcott was signed for Arsenal from Southampton before famously being taken to the World Cup but not used.

The 19-year-old made his first England start at the weekend in the win over Andorra in Barcelona and now hopes to keep his place for the potentially crucial Group 6 clash against Croatia on Wednesday.

His pace on the right flank would trouble Slaven Bilic's men, although a criticism is that he would not provide the crosses that David Beckham or David Bentley perhaps might.

"Some people are negative about my final ball," he said.

"Sometimes it's not too bad but I am learning and I do practise in training every day.

"I have had quite a few assists as well. The boss knows I'll do it.

"It is like Cristiano Ronaldo, he came to Manchester United in his first year, showed some brilliant tricks and he is 23 and the best player in the world. I am not saying I will be like Ronaldo, I will be myself."

Walcott feels his pace could be a problem for Croatia if England play on the counter-attack, and he puts his recent form down to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger instructing him to attack his full-back more.

"The main thing he told me was to be more aggressive on the pitch, win the ball back and get at defenders and not to have any fear," he said.

"That is the main thing I have taken to my game this year.

"I give the England team a different aspect by getting behind defenders. There are some world-class players who can play right wing but I give them a different option."

Walcott started as a striker at Southampton and England boss Fabio Capello has the option to play him centrally or as a winger. The teenager feels he is now getting to grips with being a wide man.

"Virtually every match I have played right wing for Arsenal," he said. "It is starting to come naturally to me and I am starting to learn the position a bit more.

"There are three world-class strikers to get in front of (for England) so it is very difficult to play there but at 19 and with one of the best teams in the world I will play anywhere - left wing, whatever. It does not bother me so long as I am in the team.

"When I started I played up front all the time and I started to learn that position a bit more. Lately, it has been the right wing because I play there so much and I am starting to learn it. My touch and link-up play has improved and so has my touch."