The proposed inclusion of Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere will get tongues wagging as England get their preparations for the return of their Euro 2012 qualification campaign underway with a tricky international against Denmark (England 5/4 To Win) in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Three Lions coach Fabio Capello stressed after last summer’s World Cup debacle in South Africa that he would start building for the long term by gradually drafting in the anticipated stars of the future, while also ensuring the country does not miss out on another European Championships next year (England 1/6 Group G Winner).
A host of young players were drafted into an experimental squad for last November’s 2-1 friendly defeat against France at Wembley. However, as a potentially dangerous qualifier against Home Nations rivals Wales in Cardiff is approaching next month, Capello has opted to bring back most of his big guns to face the Danes – but Wilshere’s continued involvement suggests the Italian tactician meant it when he recently said he would build a team around him.
Capello declared an intention to hand 19-year-old Wilshere (5/1 Anytime Goalscorer) a midfield holding berth in Copenhagen which will no doubt have Gareth Barry sweating over his England involvement for the rest of the qualification campaign and beyond.
On the prospect of playing alongside Wilshere on Wednesday, his Gunners team-mate Theo Walcott, who is also looking to prove a point after being left out of Capello’s World Cup squad, praised his qualities and also the level of talent emerging such as right-back Kyle Walker, who has been included in the squad for the first time, and Liverpool’s injured £35million hitman Andy Carroll.
On Wilshere, Walcott said: “Jack is a dream to play with. He has confidence and plays with no fear. He is so gifted. If he gets an opportunity this week I am sure he will grab it with both hands.”
Skipper Rio Ferdinand is injured while his stand-in Steve Gerrard is also missing due to a groin injury so there could be starts for Tottenham’s Michael Dawson alongside John Terry in defence and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is in line to get the captain’s armband.
If Dawson does feature it will mark a successful return to the fold after he feared his Euro 2012 qualification campaign was over when he suffered ankle and knee injuries against Bulgaria in September.
He said: “I am happy the chance with England again has come around again. I have been back playing for a couple of months and, if you get in England squad, it is through what I have been doing for Spurs.
“I want to do as well as possible and Wednesday is a chance to stake a claim for Cardiff next month, a qualifier.”
Wayne Rooney got the backing of Capello last week after his two-goal blast against Aston Villa and he is set to start in attack alongside Aston Villa’s £24million hitman Darren Bent against Denmark.
Joe Hart has come in for some criticism in recent weeks, but Capello is set to stick with the Manchester City man between the sticks this week in the hope he can get his confidence back before the Wales date (7/4 England To Keep A Clean Sheet).
Prediction: Draw/England Half Time/Full Time @ 9/2
Value Bet: Wayne Rooney 1st scorer/ England To Win 2-1 @ 25/1
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