• England news

Hodgson to take it easy with Wilshere

ESPN staff
November 11, 2012
Jack Wilshere is back fit for Arsenal © Getty Images
Enlarge

Roy Hodgson insists Jack Wilshere will not start in England's friendly with Sweden on Wednesday, responding to criticism from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger regarding his selection.

Wilshere, 20, only made his return from a 17-month injury layoff last month and Wenger condemned the England manager's decision to include the youngster in the national camp .

Wenger was quickly on the phone to Hodgson, encouraging him to use Wilshere sparingly and it was advice that the Three Lions boss took on board.

"It would have been wrong in my opinion to put him in from the start and say here we go again Jack, do what you did 18 months ago," Hodgson said.

"I've made it clear if he plays in this game it will be part of the game and won't be a case of him starting the game and playing 90 minutes, which might be a bit much for him at international level at this moment."

Hodgson intends to slowly work Wilshere back into the national team, but he is expected to include Liverpool's Raheem Sterling, Tottenham defender Steven Caulker and Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson, who all have the chance to make their debuts.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices