Jack Wilshere’s England career has been intermittent as he lost multiple caps to injury, but the former Arsenal star admits some consider him lucky to have played in two major tournaments.
Jack Wilshere is proud of his England career but injuries are priceless
Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere admits there is an argument that he “shouldn’t have been in the England squad” after playing in a major tournament after his international career was ruined by injury.
The former Gunner burst onto the scene as a teenager and made his England debut at the age of 18 in August 2010. There was great excitement about what he could do on the international stage, but a lack of fitness limited him to just 34 caps.
That didn’t prevent him from playing at the 2014 World Cup and the Euros two years later. Wilshere had the trust of then-manager Roy Hodgson, who was prepared to select the Arsenal midfielder even if he lacked playing time in the months leading up to the tournament.
Wilshere’s quality was never in doubt, but when it came to representing the Three Lions on the international stage, his fitness meant he wasn’t able to perform at his best. He played in the infamous 2-1 defeat against Iceland and the player himself admits there are some who disagree with his selection.
“When I look back at my England career, even if I had cut half the injuries, my 34 caps could easily have been 75. I look back on it with pride. I went to the World Cup, I went to the Euros. Both seasons ended with bad injuries, so I probably didn’t get the best out of myself, but I had a coach that I really liked in Roy Hodgson,” he told the Telegraph.
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“Obviously I shouldn’t have been in that team, but he believed in me. Sometimes I look back and think about what could have been. But I have really fond memories of scoring the two goals[against Slovenia in June 2015]and being the number six in the team. I loved it. So, yeah, it’s frustrating, but I’m really proud.”
Wilshere scored just two goals for his country, both of which came in the come-from-behind victory over Slovenia. The former Arsenal player aimed both goals from long range and converted them into the top corners.
The former Arsenal player played in two major tournaments
In the end, injuries prevented Wilshere from fulfilling his potential and he is now Luton’s manager. He is watching Arsenal’s next academy product, Max Domann, grab the headlines. The 16-year-old recently became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
And Wilshere took him to the World Cup, insisting no other country would hold him back. “The only thing I can say is that Spain will get him. That’s what I think,” he said.
“Sometimes in England you have a way of building them up but also protecting them. You get caught up in the moment: ‘What will people say if he leaves?'” He (Douman) is definitely good enough. Even if he goes, he won’t play much. I think he can do it. I think he’s good enough. ”
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