Wilshere's work ethic & drive will see him succeed with England, says Sagna

09-Feb-2013 12:30:00 AM

The Arsenal right-back says his team-mate can handle the pressure of being a focal point for the Three Lions following his man-of-the-match display against Brazil

Jack Wilshere can handle the pressure of performing at the highest level, according to Arsenal team-mate Bacary Sagna.

The 21-year-old was named man of the match as England defeated Brazil for the first time in 23 years on Wednesday, prompting praise from team-mates and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

And the right-back, who was representing France against Germany at the time, believes all the plaudits coming Wilshere’s way are deserved.

"I heard he played well," Sagna told the club’s official website. "I texted him and he replied to me and was quite happy. It’s good for him and I’m happy because he totally deserves it.


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"He can deal with pressure. The way he wants to play [is with] power. He doesn’t think too much about his future, how well he will do, and how people will think about him."

Wilshere’s start against Brazil was his first since 2011 due to a long-standing injury with saw the midfielder miss the entire of the 2011-12 season for club and country.

And Sagna, who has also struggled with injuries in the past, puts the youngster’s high-level performances down to his superior work ethic.

"He’s a hard worker and is always first at the training ground," Sagna continued.

"At only 21 years old, that’s not common. Usually young players leave quite early and they come in quite late. Jack is working really hard, on his body first, because he realised he needed to care about himself, and on the pitch as well."