Fabio Capello to hand Jack Wilshere shock England call
He’s only 18 and has never started a Premier League game for Arsenal, but Jack Wilshere is in line for a shock call-up for England’s friendly against Hungary on Wednesday.
After another eye-catching display at the Emirates Cup last weekend, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger tipped Wilshere to make Capello’s post-World Cup squad, and it now seems likely that the England boss will take a look at the youngster next week.
Capello’s 23-man squad in South Africa were humiliated by Germany in the last 16 of this summer’s tournament, which prompted calls for a total overhaul of the players. The “Golden Generation” had flattered to deceive once more, and the Italian manager only kept his job on the condition that changes would be made for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
And now, six weeks on from that 4-0 defeat in Bloemfontein, several of England’s senior players know that their international futures lay firmly in the balance. In turn, this will pave the way for the likes of Adam Johnson, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Wilshere to all stake their claim.
Of all the youngsters on the verge of a call-up, though, it’s Wilshere who has generated the most excitement.
Hailed by the Gunners’ supporters and staff alike, Wilshere has been on the tip of people’s tongues around the Emirates Stadium for the past few years now. Despite his diminutive stature – he’s only 5ft 7in tall – the 18-year-old is undoubtedly a hugely gifted footballer.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Wilshere is blessed with intelligence and vision, with the ability to slice open defences with his incisive passing. In typical Arsenal fashion, the midfielder rarely wastes possession, is quick on the break and is more than capable of breezing past opponents with his vast array of skills.
Capello will have noticed Wilshere’s technical prowess long before the 2010 World Cup finals, but now seems the perfect time to blood the youngster through into the senior England side, ready for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Although he’s never started a league game for his parent club, a loan spell with Bolton Wanderers last season has put him in good stead for the forthcoming season. Naturally, Wilshere was impressive on his stint at the Reebok Stadium, putting in performances which defied his tender age.
Wenger commented that his player has returned to north London noticeably stronger, and confirmed that he will be used by the Gunners this season.
Wilshere will slot seamlessly into the Arsenal midfield this year. The step up to international football may be slightly more daunting for certain players, but not for the supremely confident English youngster, who will aim to fulfil his potential for both club and country this season.
The answer to England’s midfield prayers? Capello will certainly be hoping so.
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