JACK: KIDS GET IT ALL TOO EASY
GARETH SOUTHGATE painted a sorry picture of English football when he claimed there have been no world-class midfielders since Paul Gascoigne.
Southgate said Gazza (below) was the only English midfielder of the past 50 years capable of running a game at the highest level.
It was a frustrated cry for help from the Three Lions boss, who is desperate for a naturally talented midfield general.
West Ham’s England star Jack Wilshere was supposed to be ‘the one’ but injuries have held him back.
And Wilshere, 26, says some of today’s academy graduates lack an “edge” and need to go out on loan rather than settle for the rather lesspressurised environment of reserve-team football.
“I think there are different ways of coming through, just as you’ve seen with Jamie Vardy,” said Wilshere. “Maybe some players don’t learn to get that edge, that tough streak.
“I was in an academy from a young age age but I always had that edge. Then again, I played on the streets with my brother and older boys.”
The former Arsenal star, who is developing his own interest in coaching, said: “I heard Southgate talk about Gazza and how he was so confident that, when he played, it was as if he was playing with his mates. Not many players have that confidence. A lot of it comes down to that, confidence, and maybe the pressure that comes with playing for England in big games.
“I was never scared playing for England. I especially enjoyed it under (Roy) Hodgson, playing that deeper role.
“I could control the game and that was my best as an England player. I think a bit of confidence and you will see players express themselves more.”
Last year’s England Under-17 World Cup-winning team may provide the future but the World Cup squad included the likes of Jamie Vardy, Harry Maguire and Nick Pope, who worked their way up through the lower leagues.
“Maybe the academies can make you take things for granted,” Wilshere said. “Everything is perfect for you – you’re not playing on frozen pitches in January. I don’t think the Under-23s gives you it either.
“I also think you’ve got to be careful with coaching.
“It seems that in England you’re not supposed to run with the ball – some coaches are keen to knock that out of their game.
“I think we are producing enough technical players but it comes down to having a bit of arrogance on the pitch, that confidence to show what you can do.
“You don’t want players doing silly things but it’s good to be in a relaxed state of mind.”