• Euro 2012

Southgate wants more Wilsheres

ESPN staff
June 30, 2012
Jack Wilshere will be a key figure for England © Getty Images
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Gareth Southgate claims too much expectation is being pinned on Jack Wilshere, but suggested England need six Jack Wilsheres if they are to compete with the top international sides.

Wilshere failed to kick a ball in anger last season after suffering an ankle injury last summer. But while he was sat with his feet up at home watching England toil at Euro 2012, his stock went through the roof with a host of respected names claiming the Arsenal man is the future of the national side.

England boss Roy Hodgson will likely hand Wilshere a key role in World Cup qualifying, provided he proves his fitness with Arsenal in the Premier League.

Southgate, who is being tipped to take on a technical director role, feels England need to get the young midfielder back in the fold and look to add quality around him.

"I feel we're pinning so much on Jack Wilshere," Southgate is quoted as saying in the Sun. "What we want to be able to say is that there are five or six, not just Jack.

"The expectation, everybody talking about Jack, is putting a lot of pressure on him. I would say that.

"In every era it's one, isn't it? For the last five years, it was maybe Wayne Rooney. Now it's Jack. But top countries have five or six, they churn them out.

"Brazil is unique because of the size of the population. Yet other countries, like Spain, Germany, and Holland, develop far more players.

"That is where we have to get to. We have to give the manager a bigger pool of players to work with."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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