• England

Southgate: Senior stars will not play for Under-21s

Jack Wilshere will not feature for England Under-21's, Gareth Southgate has claimed © PA Photos

Enlarge

Jack Wilshere has been told he will not be selected for England Under-21's should they qualify for Euro 2015.

Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate is also opposed to using the likes of Phil Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling in a bid to win the tournament, claiming their inclusions would not benefit the squad.

"I can tell you now that isn't even in my thinking," said Southgate. "My job is like that of a reserve team manager at a club - you have got to adapt and adjust to the players you have got available.

"Roy wants to play younger players, so they are going to gain international experience. That is key."

The omission of Wilshere will be welcomed by Arsenal manger Arsene Wenger who in the past has been angered by England's use of the midfielder.

Wilshere's progression has been hampered by injury and Wenger has claimed that his fitness must be managed more carefully by England.

Former Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce clashed with the Football Association over player availability ahead of Euro 2011, claiming he was unable to select his strongest team, pointing to a Spain squad that included Juan Mata and Javi Martinez.

Southgate however, has confirmed he would rather focus on players who are yet to establish themselves in England's senior set-up.

"Alex, for example, has been to two major championships," Southgate added. "Those guys are seniors. I know people cite Spain, with Mata and a couple of others. But this is fairly typical of most Under-21 coaches around Europe.

"Christian Eriksen still qualifies to play for Denmark but I don't see the Danes clamouring for him [to be involved with the Under-21s].

"It is that balance. You need to see what can be gained by bringing them back into this environment."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd