Wilshere: Missing Euro 2012 with England was hard

Nov 14, 2012 12:35:00 PM

The 20-year-old admits it was difficult to watch the Three Lions at the European Championship, but is raring to go on his return to Roy Hodgson's side when they face Sweden

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has admitted it was difficult to watch England play at Euro 2012 as he sat on the sidelines through injury.

The 20-year-old, who has been capped five times for the Three Lions, has recently returned to first-team action after over a year in the treatment room, but claims he is raring to go as he returns to the national squad for Wednesday's clash with Sweden.

"It was hard [to miss Euro 2012]," Wilshere told Arsenal’s official website.

"I was just like a fan, watching it with my family. To get the setback just before and miss it was heartbreaking but I worked all through the summer and worked hard to get my fitness back and shake off all the little niggles that I was getting.

"Now I’m back in the squad and hopefully if I keep my maintenance work up in the gym, I can improve on the pitch and stay in there."

The midfielder also admitted that he cannot wait for his chance to play under Roy Hodgson as he prepares to line-up against Sweden.

"It’s a dream come true," Wilshere added. "It feels like the first time again. It’s been so long and now there’s a new manager and a totally new set-up.

"I was a bit nervous about meeting up with the squad and seeing how everything is done now.

"Last time we met up was at the Grove and now we’re going to Manchester so it’s totally different. I’m really looking forward to it."