Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger questions logic of Jack Wilshere playing for England Under-21’s this summer

Carling Cup : Arsene Wenger, Ipswich Town v Arsenal (Getty Images)

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has questioned the logic of Jack Wilshere playing for both the senior England team and the Under-21 side, but concedes he does not have the power to enforce any decision.

Nineteen-year-old Wilshere picked up his third and fourth international caps after lining up for the Three Lions against Wales and Ghana and now looks like a regular in Fabio Capello’s plans for the senior team.

However, the under-21 side play in the European championships this summer and Stuart Pearce is keen to have his prized asset representing him, something Wenger disagrees with – the Arsenal boss preferring to have the youngster recuperating after a long campaign.

“If England think Wilshere is not ready to play for the first team completely and he needs to play in the under-21s, then you can defend him playing in the championships,” said the Frenchman.

“But as they are convinced he is a first team player, then it is debatable. Why do you produce a youth system? It is to get them ready to be playing in the first team.

“Once they play in the first team, your job has been done so you can promote other players to play for the under-21’s.

“Basically the youth system is made to promote the players for the top team and once they are in the top team I don’t see a basic need to go back.

“Unless you say we want to go for national pride and ego, so we just play our best players in this tournament, then it is defendable.

“But that is not why the youth teams have been created – the basic target is to get the players ready to play in the first team, once they play there it is less useful.”

The player himself is keen to play in the summer tournament, which will be held in Denmark, but Wenger said the FA have a responsibiltiy to protect him.

“It’s normal that Jack wants to play. That’s more positive than negative to me,” he continued.

“Wilshere looks to be a promising player for the first national team and for Arsenal, so the interest of the FA and Arsenal is to give him the right protection.”

The Gunners boss does not want Wilshere’s attention diverted at this crucial point in the season as Arsenal look to win the Premier League – the only trophy left in their grasp.

Wenger said: “For us at the moment it is important not to create a debate on and just focus on the championship. We have to sort that problem out at the end of the season with the FA.

“It is normal that you play many games, but there is a number you have to respect and make sure you do not make a mistake with a promising player.”

Wilshere looks set to start for Arsenal against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday and Wenger has also been boosted by the news of the likely returns of Robin Van Persie, Alex Song, Theo Walcott and captain Cesc Fabregas.