da jogodeouro： After Arsene Wenger and Stuart Pearce ’s rather heated exchange of words through the media, it was decided that Jack Wilshere would not travel to the Under-21 European Championships this summer. Andy Carroll will also be missing from the tournament in a move that has ignited frustration among football fans especially when you consider the mentality Spain have entered the tournament with. Spain have selected two World Cup winners in their squad – in the form of Juan Mata and Javi Martinez in a bold move to win the tournament and show the youngsters the way forward. Winning mentalities are never the worse thing in the world and the excuses for not picking two of England’s star players for the tournament again demonstrates why we are not producing enough world class players. English players believe once they break into their clubs first teams and have a few England caps behind them then they have made it. The attitude is all wrong.
da bet7： The Champions League final was a perfect example of the complete difference in ethos and the Under 21 European Championships may again show England up. There are some real quality young English players heading to the tournament, but for the side’s two best players to be allowed to sit the tournament out shows a real unwillingness to win for England at any level. The argument that is put forward is that Jack Wilshere may be burnt out come the end of the summer. What about Chris Smalling, Micha Richards and Jack Rodwell? Are they somehow not affected by burn out or tiredness?
Micah Richards has been selected for England’s first team 12 times. Does that mean Richards could have pulled out of the tournament? Whose interests are we really protecting; Arsenal ’s or Jack Wilshere’s?
Just look at the example of Mesut Ozil and his team mates who wont the tournament in 2009 for evidence to the contrary. From what I can remember, the English media couldn’t get enough of the young German side at the World Cup last year? Interesting…
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We need to learn from Spain and look to blood our best players in tournaments such as the Under-21 European Championships. It shows the right attitude. Players like Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll who have come up through the ranks are role models for players, they can see that it can be done – that you can make the steps up and at some stage represent the national team at full international level. With Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere in the side it would give England a greater chance of winning an international tournament. Nobody can argue against the importance of winning. International football is a lot different to domestic club football.
Some players who have gone on to play for the top English clubs haven’t quite been at the required standard to bring a major Championship home because of the lack of drive and understanding of the international game. Spain are going to the tournament with every intention on winning the tournament. They have picked their strongest side available and have brought in older, more experienced heads to guide the team through tough games. Can England really say they are doing the same?
Read more of Tom’s articles at This is Futbol