England manager Hodgson cools Wilshere hype

England manager Hodgson cools Wilshere hype ahead of Brazil friendly

06-Feb-2013 5:30:00 AM

The Three Lions boss is delighted with the Arsenal midfielder's form but is keen to see expectations of the 21-year-old tempered believing other players also need to contribute

England manager Roy Hodgson is keen to see expectations surrounding midfielder Jack Wilshere lowered.

Wilshere has displayed impressive form for Arsenal in the Premier League this season following his return from a long-term injury lay-off which saw him miss the entirety of the 2011-12 season. The 21-year-old made his international comeback as a second-half substitute against Sweden in November.

The Gunners midfielder is now set for his first start for the Three Lions since June 2011, leaving Hodgson wary over the expectation placed on his shoulders.

He told reporters "Jack is a player who carries a huge weight of responsibility at a young age.


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"I hope everyone is going to understand he is still a young man, he is 21 and still capable of playing in the under-21s, not that he will.

"I'm anxious in some ways and, while delighted with his form and the way he plays and sharing everyone's enthusiasm about his quality, I want to play it down a bit too."

The 65-year-old stressed that his squad possess a number of players that are capable of making a significant contribution to the national team’s cause, and hopes that will prove to be the case.

He added "I wouldn't like to see him have to take a backward step because all of a sudden his name is being put forward as the saviour of the English football team. We've got other players too.

"I'm hoping Jack's contribution, which will be a big contribution, will be matched by big contributions by the other players like Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard, Cole, Johnson etc."