Wenger reiterates Wilshere view

Wilshere: In England’s Under 21 squad but Wenger is concerned about burn-out for the midfielder

Arsene Wenger has reiterated his plea for the Football Association to act responsibly regarding the use of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere in the summer.

Wilshere has been named in England Under 21 coach Stuart Pearce’s provisional 40-man squad for June’s European Championship finals in Denmark.

However, national team manager Fabio Capello is also likely to want the combative midfielder for both the European Championship qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley on 4th June and then the friendly with Holland ahead of the 2011/2012 campaign.

Gunners boss Wenger, though, is concerned over burn-out, with Wilshere already having played more than 50 times for club and country in what has been a breakthrough season.

Consequences

“I would never say that Wilshere cannot play for England, first of all because I don’t feel I have the right to do that,” said Wenger.

“I educate English players to play for their country, if they can, but I would ask Fabio Capello to consider the consequences of a boy who is 19 years old who has played around 50 games at the end of the season, who has played for the first team and then a tournament on the back of it.”
Arsene Wenger Quotes of the week

“I educate English players to play for their country, if they can, but I would ask Fabio Capello to consider the consequences of a boy who is 19 years old who has played around 50 games at the end of the season, who has played for the first team and then a tournament on the back of it.

“What will the consequences be for the next season? I don’t know but I feel the youth system is there to promote the players to play in the top team.”

Wenger added: “It is the federation’s decision and the federation has to act in a responsible way.

“You cannot ask Jack if he wants to play – do you really think he will say no? I don’t think that’s realistic.

“I am happy that he wants to play every single game for his country.

“The question raised by him playing are the consequences for the country, for England.”

Wenger has voiced his concerns to Pearce, but ultimately will have to accept the final decision of the FA, which would probably mean Wilshere having an extended break and missing the opening of the new campaign.

“I can see it from Pearce’s point of view,” he said.

“I called Stuart Pearce and explained to him why I am against it and I told him as well that at the end of the day I give him my honest opinion and I will respect the decision of the FA.”