Wenger has concerns that Wilshere will suffer if he plays too much football
Jack Wilshere has been selected for the England squad for this summer’s European Under-21 Championship finals in Denmark, according to Arsene Wenger.
The Arsenal manager revealed that the 19-year-old Gunners midfielder had made Stuart Pearce’s 23-man party.
The squad was due to be announced on 1 June but the Football Association says it may be named on Thursday afternoon.
Wenger said: “We have to accept and respect the choice even if we think it is the wrong decision.”
The Frenchman said recently that the FA must handle Wilshere’s Under-21 appearances in a “responsible way”.
Wilshere has played 48 games for Arsenal this season and was named the Professional Footballers’ Association young player of the year in April for his outstanding performances.
The teenager has also earned four full international caps and established himself in Fabio Capello’s side, prompting Wenger to question Wilshere’s involvement with the U21s.
He is also concerned about the possibility of burnout for the Stevenage-born player.
Wenger said on Thursday: “He has played nearly 50 games this year. To go to a tournament, for me, is a massive risk.
“I am happy if the under-21s do well because I want England to do very well.
“Jack knows that he is nearly at the end of his energy level but he is keen to do well.”
Wilshere’s selection for the finals is no surprise, after Pearce included him in his provisional 40-man squad earlier this month.
Fellow senior international Andy Carroll was also included but there are doubts over whether the Liverpool striker will take his place in the final 23.
Like Wenger, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has said he is not in favour of players being drafted back into the under-21 fold after graduating to the senior set-up.
Both Wilshere and Carroll are expected to be named in the senior squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley on 4 June, meaning they would miss the under-21s’ pre-tournament training camp.
England’s Under-21 Championship campaign begins on 12 June and they will play three games in eight days, and five in 15 days if they reach the final.
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Wilshere has U21 place – Wenger