Stand-in coach Sammy Lee described Theo Walcott's talents as a "lethal mix" as he prepares England Under-21s for their friendly against Holland in Alkmaar tonight.

Walcott, the 17-year-old former Saints starlet, is expected to feature in an experimental line-up against the Dutch following seven withdrawals through injury.

While in the backroom staff with the seniors, Lee had a close look at Walcott at the World Cup when the youngster was chosen but famously not played as England limped out last summer.

"Better people than me - Arsene Wenger and Sven-Goran Eriksson, for example - have seen the quality of the lad, and I did when I was in Germany," said former Saints midfielder Lee.

"You don't have to be a Philadelphia lawyer to see the quality he possesses - the enthusiasm, the desire, the youthful exuberance and the talent and ability.

"You just have to be patient and give him the platform to develop on a natural basis rather than push him too early into the spotlight."

Walcott has impressed in cameo roles for Arsenal and has scored four goals in his first four under-21 appearances - displaying his pace against Germany in a play-off win to reach next year's European Championship finals, which are also in Holland.

Lee added: "Pace is really important in the modern game, but that only underlines his ability and quality - it's a lethal mix to play against."

Lee is in charge of the under-21s for just one match, while Peter Taylor concentrates on club matters at struggling Coca-Cola Championship side Crystal Palace.