Southgate right to snub Wilshere
hIs stance may appear self- defeating with so many injuries, but Gareth southgate is right to steer Jack Wilshere towards prioritising first-team football.
Not because each england international must start every week. Marcus rashford could be england’s best forward option, but the fact he is kept out on occasions by a combination of romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and, soon, Zlatan Ibrahimovic does not make him less of a player.
It just means he is at Manchester United, an elite club with a very strong roster. The same is true of raheem sterling at Manchester City. With the talent around, he won’t always play.
Wilshere is different. he has gone backwards at Arsenal, from a vital component of the team to a bit-part player. It was insulting when Arsene Wenger urged southgate to pick Wilshere regardless of his limited opportunity in major matches this season.
Wenger was speaking out of self-interest — if england selected Wilshere it might convince the player he could still be an international from Arsenal’s bench and didn’t need to leave. southgate spotted that ruse way out. he passed on Wilshere, even in a much-reduced squad, and made plain what needed to happen. Now Wilshere is seeking a move in January. If he gets one, and regular first-team football, southgate will have options in central midfield.
Wilshere, unlike Danny Drinkwater, desperately wants his england place back. southgate’s squad may be weaker short-term, but he has to play a long game. he must think of the summer, not just the next five days.