It seems as though Jack Wilshere has been talked about as the future of the England national team ever since he first broke on to the scene as an Arsenal teenager. But that expectation has turned into criticism in recent years, with most of those critics completely ignoring all the times spent on the sidelines with various injuries.
But it was clear that Roy Hodgson was a fan when he took over the manager’s job two years ago, calling Jack up for the squad whenever he could and playing him, over playing him in the eyes of some Arsenal fans, when he was fit enough.
So Hodgson is delighted with Wilshere’s form so far this season, as an ESPN report reveals. The England boss has included the 22-year old in his latest squad and feels that the midfielder is really getting himself and his football career back on track. In fact, Hodgson suggests that Wilshere could well be at the heart of the national side for years to come and could be one of the main stars in a new `golden generation`.
Hodgson said, “He is a player who has been on the radar for a long time, and has been unlucky with injury.
“He broke onto the scene long before I came along, but of course, when I came along he wasn’t available because of the long-term injuries.
“We got a chance to briefly see him before he got injured again, so it’s probably only been the last six months or so, leading up to the World Cup, where he’s become a feature and someone who could fit the bill for the midfield.
“It’s been very encouraging for me to see him playing pain free and without any fitness issues, and even more encouraging to see him playing well, as I think he was against Besiktas in the midfield.
“It leads you to hope and believe he could do the same thing in an England shirt.”
“We have high hopes of people like Jack, but I don’t think he’ll have to shoulder the responsibility alone – there are others.
“On this particular occasion we don’t have [Adam] Lallana and [Ross] Barkley, but they are on the rise. Walcott is about to return, so I would like to think there are a number of players.
“This is a new group of players in certain respects, they’ll have to take responsibility now.”
This is great news for Jack, who clearly loves playing for his country, but I think it is good for the Gunners as well, because being back in the game with England should really help his confidence and make sure he continues to work hard on improving his game. As long as he doesn’t pick up a knock of course!