Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere has not been named in England U21’s 23-man squad for the European Championships in Denmark this summer.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has voiced his concern for Wilshere in taking part, feeling he would not get adequate rest before the new season, and U21 manager Stuart Pearce today revealed that the player himself took the final decision. Talking to The FA website, Pearce said:
“I spoke to Jack last week and he explained that while he told me in March that he wanted to be part of the squad, he now feels he is not in the best condition to take part in the Finals. That is based on the number of games he has played for Arsenal this season, sports science data which Jack was presented with last week and concerns he has for his fitness looking ahead to next season.
“Jack has always expressed his enjoyment at being involved with the Under-21 squad, and while I am disappointed not to have him with us for the Finals I’ve accepted the situation.”
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Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is out injured for the tournament, but notable inclusions include Micah Richards (Man City), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Chris Smalling (Man Utd), and Danny Welbeck (Man Utd).
The squad in full:
GOALKEEPERS
Frankie Fielding (Derby County), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough), Alex McCarthy (Reading),
DEFENDERS
Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jones (Blackburn Rovers), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
MIDFIELDERS
Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Jack Cork (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), Henri Lansbury (Arsenal), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton Wanderers), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Scott Sinclair (Swansea City)
FORWARDS
Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Connor Wickham (Ipswich Town)
