Photo by Ray Bahner/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images

Walcott Issues Warning to Pochettino: Must Keep Pulisic Happy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 1:22 PM ET

After the October international break, the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino has tested themselves against four World Cup-qualified national teams and only lost one match.

In September, the USMNT lost 2-0 to South Korea but defeated Japan 2-0. In October, the USMNT drew 1-1 against Ecuador and defeated Australia 2-1.

Mauricio Pochettino has continued to call up star players who are likely set to start for the 2026 World Cup. The biggest name on the roster is Christian Pulisic, and the player has overcome the criticism he received in the summer by choosing to miss the 2025 Gold Cup.

Despite the drama involving Pulisic and suspicion of falling out with the USMNT head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, many believe that star players should be supported ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

In the It's Called Soccer podcast, Theo Walcott gave his thoughts on Christian Pulisic and Mauricio Pochettino in the USMNT. The former England international gave his thoughts on the USMNT star and says he likes the player.

Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States advances the ball during the first half against Australia during an international friendly at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on October 14, 2025 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)

Walcott views Pulisic as the key figure of the USMNT and thinks Mauricio Pochettino should value having a player like Pulisic in the national team.

Walcott's Message for Mauricio Pochettino

Theo Walcott believes that Pulisic's importance in the team will be key for the USMNT to perform ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Walcott insists that Pochettino should get the best out of Pulisic by playing him in his preferred positions and not overworking him.

Walcott says, "Why not get the best out of players and help them and put them in areas where they're going to affect games and not use up energy, particularly your star players. They're the game changers... Get a bunch of players, the athletes, to work hard around him. Get Pulisic in areas where he's going to affect the game."

The former England national team player thinks that Pulisic should be happy so he performs for the team. Walcott said, "Keep him happy. Keep these guys happy in that environment and don't overwork them, because I really enjoyed him... I want him to be able to just always remember that kid in him. I think that's what he needs in him."