It has been revealed that England midfielder Theo Walcott has been claiming incapacity benefits for 3 years. During that time, Walcott has been filmed playing football on several occasions which is in breach of his claim, and he could face a fine of in excess of £780,000.

Walcott, 21, put in a claim at a Southampton branch of the Jobcentre plus when he was 18, however he has been investigated by agents who have followed his performances over the past 6 months.

Footage of Walcott was at complete odds with the image he created of ‘a severely disabled young man’ whose legs were prone to ‘giving way at any time’, it has been revealed.

Aside from playing football, Walcott has been filmed playing golf at a charity competition, surfing in Newquay on a family holiday and rollerblading through Hyde Park on several occasions. Investigators were to pursue a line that he was also masquerading as a Formula 1 Racing Driver, however realised after 9 months that it was Lewis Hamilton.

The revelation that Walcott is a benefit cheat has thrown Roy Hodgson’s selection for tonight’s crucial game against the Ukraine into disarray. “Obviously, with these revelations it makes it hard to pick my starting eleven. I can’t very well go starting Walcott when he’s getting scrutinised for claiming incapacity benefit; at the very least, his head will be off the game.”

No action is set to be taken against Walcott, who has refused to comment on the matter until the end of the Euro’s. It is expected, however, as soon as he lands back in Blighty, he will be summoned to court.