Jack Wilshere insists he wants to represent England at the European Under-21 Championships despite Arsenal concerns

Jack Wilshere, England(Getty Images)

Related Links

Teams

Players

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has insisted that he wants to represent England at the European Under-21s Championships this summer, despite Arsene Wenger‘s concerns that the youngster would be over-exerting himself in doing so.

The championships, that are to be held in Denmark, begin on June 11, only eight days after England’s final Euro 2012 qualifier of the season and appearing in both would leave Wilshere little time to recover from what is destined to be an intense title run-in for Wenger’s side.

The 19-year-old, who delivered another fine performance for the senior England side in their 2-0 victory over Wales on Saturday, has announced that he is keen to play for Stuart Pearce’s side at the tournament.

He said: “It is international football and I want to play in any international football. It’s up to Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello.

“They will talk and see what’s best for me. I always speak to the manager at Arsenal, too, and I will again. I am sure Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello will talk to him as well.”

Capello has recognised Wenger’s concerns but has taken a step back from the debate, insisting that the decision over whether Wilshere appears for the Under-21s is to be made by the Frenchman, Pearce and the player himself.

The Italian said: “He is a really important player for Arsenal and now he is very important for us. Also for the Under-21s. The European Under-21s is an important tournament and his selection is a decision for Stuart Pearce and the manager of Arsenal.

“It isn’t my job to protect Wilshere. It is the job of the FA, of England, because the Under-21s are important. I haven’t got exclusivity on Wilshere. These three players – Wilshere, Walker and Carroll – are important for the future of England.

“I know that one Barcelona player thought to be Sergio Busquets, who is in the Spain first XI, has said he wants to play in the under-21s this summer. A big player. He wants to play in that tournament. But this is a question between Wilshere, his manager and Stuart Pearce.”