By Joe Doyle
10 May 2011 18:35:00
Michael Owen, Manchester United (Getty Images)
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Michael Owen has warned young England stars, such as Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll, that they could be risking their fitness if they play in this summer’s European Under-21 Championship.
The pair have been included in Stuart Pearce’s 40-man squad for the tournament, despite Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger warning that too much football can be bad for young players.
“Interesting discussions on Sky News today regarding whether our best young players should be going to the Euro U21 Champs this summer,” Owen wrote on Twitter.
“Two sides of the coin to look at. Everyone wants our best players to play as it would enhance our chances of winning it.
“Would be good experience for the players, would prepare them well for future international tournaments, etc.
“On the other side of the coin: some of them have had long seasons competing in the most physically demanding league in the world.
“No winter breaks to help them recover. No summer break due to tournament so they will be playing for two years without a break. At such a young age that’s not ideal.”
The striker has 89 caps for England and has notched 40 goals for his country, but has struggled with hamstring injuries throughout his career and said that playing in the World Cup as a teenager “caught up” with him.
He continued: “I had the same scenario. No break for years. International summer tournaments every year without rest.
“It eventually caught up with me. I went BANG towards the end of the season after the 1998 World Cup. Not saying that will happen to these lads.
“Just hope we have their interests at heart as I’m sure we do as they are the future. Hard to know what is the right thing to do.”