Gareth Southgate says he hopes to have Jack Wilshere available for England’s friendly against Italy on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old was expected to make his first appearance for the Three Lions since Euro 2016 against Holland tomorrow but opted not to travel after complaining of knee discomfort.
With England just 97 days away from exiting the World Cup at the group stage, Wilshere is desperate to get national team minutes under his belt in the hope of persuading Southgate he’s worthy of a place in a team that is itching to underperform.
“Jack just felt some tendinopathy in his knee,” Southgate said on arrival in Amsterdam.
“It’s a problem he’s had before and nothing too serious. We had the option to bring him out and treat him here or let it settle and keep him back at base.
“It’s something he’s managed over a long period of time, there are just days when it needs to settle down, it’s nothing new to him.
“He’s disappointed not to be involved but he’s trained well with us and if you think about the journey he’s been on in the last couple of years and the big injuries he’s had to come back from he’s progressing really well.”
All in all, it sounds like sensible man management. Here’s hoping Jack’s knee hasn’t flared up too badly and he’s fit to take the pitch at Wembley next week.
Watch him go play at Wembley, have a blinder, and get injured towards the end of the game, and go on to miss next five Arsenal games.
Some really mouthwatering friendlies in this interlull. Hope Jack gets to play against Italy. Given the midfield ‘strength’, he should slot in the world cup starting 11 easy… if fit
I don’t know why, but I feel like Jack is not liking it here… He doesn’t seem to be happy… Just look at the picture, blogs knows that as well..
You’re really using that picture, which may have been taken while away on international duty to judge his happiness at Arsenal?
Na, I was just joking… But I do feel he is unhappy with Arsenal and the whole situation
I can see why he’s being offered the soposed deal from the club now.
Now? The 37 injuries over the last 6 years haven’t been convincing enough?
It makes you think where he would be if he could manage to stay fit.
That is the dilemma for Arsenal – whether to offer a contract for a player with a terrible injury record or not but has undoubted skill.
Exit the group stage? Are you crazy? England have top top top quality in penalty getting. I count Sterling, Kane, Alli and if things get tough Ashley Young off the bench. 4 pelanties assured. I say the trophy is already won.