Jack Wilshere

Coauthored by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner

Obtained from Google search “Jack Wilshere,” labeled for noncommercial reuse

Height: 172 cm

Weight: 68 kg

Senior Experience: 2008-present

Caps: 28

Club: Arsenal (English Premier League)

Season Statistics: No registered statistics due to injury

Role and Projected Tournament Outlook:

Perhaps Jack Wilshere’s experience in Euro 2016 tournament will be summed up as much by how he hasn’t played rather than how he has. Once touted as the future of England’s midfield himself, and the heir apparent to Gerrard for the captaincy (Sportmail Reporter, The Mirror) Wilshere was as recently as 2013 considered the crux of England’s playing style and future. Since then? A remarkable spate of over 20 injuries to his feet and ankles have left him without a full 90 minute game for Arsenal since 2014 (Jason Burt) and a plethora of media pundits calling for his ousting from the English side.

Still though, Hodgson has defended the midfielder, saying he will have a spot in the squad if fit (Mokbel) and suggesting to some he might even be the first choice holding midfielder for the English side. That’s a huge show of faith for someone out of fitness and form for his club, and might be the largest gamble Hodgson has chosen to make in terms of his side. Still though, at 24, Wilshere might be the key to bridging the gap between the old and the new, and his midfield role might anchor a side in need to young leadership in the middle. As the bridge between Gerrard and Alli, the Golden Generation and the young guns, Wilshere might be more important than ever this Euro in helping to bind together a diverse side.

How to cite this article: “Jack Wilshere” Written by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/english-national-team/key-substitutes/jack-wilshere/ (accessed on (date)).