Arsenal stunned as England ignore plea to rest midfield ace
Jack Wilshere is involved in another club versus country row after suffering an ankle injury against Germany.The decision to play Wilshere on Tuesday night angered Arsenal because Arsene Wenger had requested his midfielder play in only one of the two internationals.
But having started against Chile on Friday night, completing 71 minutes, Wilshere then came on as a 64th-minute substitute as England chased the game against Germany. He took a hefty knock on his ankle, leaving Arsenal stunned that their plea was ignored.
On the ball: Jack Wilshere suffered a hefty knock to his ankle during England's game against Germany
It is not the first time Wilshere's fitness has been an issue between Arsenal and the FA. His availability for the European Under 21 Championship in 2011 was
contentious and he eventually sat out the tournament.
The 21-year-old has also expressed fears that he could miss a place in England's squad for the World Cup next summer and identified Ravel Morrison as serious competition.
He said: 'You have seen the talent there is over the last couple of months - even in the Under 21s with Ravel Morrison and all these players coming through. You are never guaranteed, and cannot rest on your laurels.
Off the bench: Wilshere replaced Tom Cleverley after 64 minutes of England's 1-0 defeat against Germany
'You are only as good as your last game, they say, so when the time comes, I have to be on top form, and there will be a lot of players looking to be as well.'
Wilshere is no longer an automatic starter for his club given Aaron Ramsey's emergence and the form of Mathieu Flamini. The arrival of Mesut Ozil has also blocked his path to the No 10 role he favours.
Wilshere said the prospect of Brazil excites but that he must focus on regaining form for Arsenal. 'There are some big games coming up for the club, so I am just concentrating on that,' he said.
Up for the battle: The Arsenal midfielder also played against Chile last week
'That is where you are going to get into the England World Cup squad - by playing well for your club, then you are going to get picked for your country.'
Meanwhile, Everton manager Roberto Martinez has urged Ross Barkley to banish all thoughts of the World Cup and concentrate on recapturing his early-season swagger.
Martinez said: 'It's a waste of time to think what could happen in the future. The thing is to concentrate on the day-to-day. A week is an eternity so a few months is even more.'
Roy Hodgson has included Barkley in every squad since September.
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