Our young Englishman, Jack Wilshere is just 19 years old; he has played in forty-five league games for us and has been involved in three matches for the England first team in 2011.
Forty eight games in ten months is a lot to ask of a lad whose bones are still growing!
Now he has been named in the under 21 squad to play in the European Under-21 Championship which takes place this summer in Denmark.
The 40-man England squad named yesterday will be reduced to 23 by June 1st and four days later England play their final pre-tournament friendly against Norway in Southampton.
The squad also includes Henri Lansbury and Kieran Gibbs who I’m not concerned for, as neither have had a season quite as hectic as Jack.
Over the last few years, quite a few years, the England side has deteriorated and it’s been full of golden boys and has beens like Lampard, Terry, Ferdinand and Stevie Me Me – it’s seen managers come and go through bad results but the reality is, the team had become stagnant. It didn’t matter who the manager was, he was still under pressure to select the same old suspects to represent England.
Sven tried to make a change when he selected Theo Walcott but what the fool didn’t do was play him. He raised expectation about our new boy but it had the reverse effect on Theo, in fact I think his selection put his game back a year or two. His confidence was sky-high the day he got selected for the World Cup squad, it was then in my opinion, shattered to pieces.
Theo should have been left to progress in the Under 21’s.
Then, as we all know, Theo was playing for the England first team but was also being used in the Under 21’s in Europe in 2009. Arsene Wenger protested to the double selection at the time but neither England nor Theo Walcott listened.
We know what happened the following domestic season don’t we?
It’s happening all over again, England need to make up their mind – either play Jack Wilshere, or any other young Englishman, in one or the other of the England sides, not both!
Every young footballer’s dream is to play for their country, they won’t say no will they when asked to play? Nor will they truly care whether it’s the big boys, the under 21’s or both.
They love the country they were born in and they love football, it’s their life.
But, for the future of their fitness, their health, their career and for the future of the club that pays their wages, it has to be one of the other – not both and it’s time for our club to protect the players, and for the FA to start listening.
Don’t forget, we are talking about just Jack right now, if we are not careful, we’ll have the same problem for many years ahead with Chuks, Afobe, JET, Frimpong (when he makes his mind up) Cruise, Bartley, Freeman to name just a few…..
Do something Arsenal, before it’s too late…
Ivan Gazidis confirmed yesterday that ticket prices will increase by a total of 6.5% from the beginning of next season. The club maintain they have given careful consideration to the rise, which is in line with inflation and the 2.5 per cent increase in VAT.
The cheapest season ticket at the Emirates Stadium currently costs £893, but that will now go up to £951. The most expensive ticket meanwhile, will now cost £1944 per season — up from £1825.
While on the subject of the club making money, it was confirmed yesterday that a three-year partnership deal has been agreed with Indesit. I’m not sure what the finance agreement is within this deal, I just hope any money will go towards improving our current squad. (It’ll all come out in the wash 😉 )
Finally, Happy Birthday to Cesc Fabregas, 24 years old today….
That’s it for today, have a good one….
The Wilshere thing is a joke. Pearce was babbling on about how The Italians, Germans and Spanish do it, my counter to that is, do the young kids in the country play nearly 50 games a season?
Wenger should say no and cite player safety and longevity as the reason.
Morning Will,
I agree, the kid is still growing, playing for both england sides is wrong, one or the other….
Did you see the Pearce interview?
I didn’t Will…
Pearce is a complete prick intent solely on promoting his own ego and his CV as currently it says “2 bob manager” – FAILED…..!
The clube need to tell Pearce and the FA to fuck off simple…!
How to ruin players is becoming a joke, surely these young players who have had hectic seasons need to be looked after and taken care of not flogged and run into the ground its pathetic.
Just read what he has to say, he is an idiot, of course jack will want to play but thats because he is young and enthusiastic – its down the the managers to protect him…
and if pearce thinks dalglish will be happy, he’s wrong…
Morning WATH, spot on!
Exactly, Jack is 18, he will want to play but this could ruin him but Wenger is seen as French….
Surely Wenger shouldn’t have played him so much if he’s that concerned about fatigue?
What do you guys want Pearce to do? Deny himself the chance to call on a key player in an important competition because Wenger overplayed him?
I find it remarkable how one-eyed some fans are.
Alan, we pay jacks wages, no-one is suggesting he can’t play for his country, just not both the first team and the under 21’s..
I suggest it’s you that opens the other eye and see things sensibly….
Alan, are you club then country or country then club?
We pay his wages Alan !! when the season finishes we also give him 6 weeks to relax and do nothing. Now Pearce wants him to play in a competition that means to give him 6 weeks off we miss him for the start of the season, find it remarkable how short sighted some fans are….!
Guys, ease up on Alan, it is his opinion and he is entitled to it.
As I said, he may be a country first guy and that is cool, I am a club first guy and that is also cool.
He can have an opinion Will thats fine but in that case no need for smart arsed comments re others being one eyed just cos he has his opinion….!
Well that is true but come back with facts and decent, thought out arguments rather than name calling as it just descends from there. This is a great blog and I would hate for it turn to turn into one of those others.
The point is as i said just now – the post isn’t saying Jack shouldn’t be playing for his country, just not be used for both, it’s wrong.
And no need for the ‘one-eyed’ slant to the comment.
Wenger is his club manager and he should be the one to make the decision, not Pearce.
Playing for both sides meant walcott had a dreadful following season for us, do arsenal fans really want the same to happen to jack?
Fatigue leads to one thing – injury!
Exactly Rico.
I think Wenger should bring in doctors for their expert opinion and bring that to Pearce.
Will, it won’t turn into a slating blog, but other posters should respect the views too…. you gotta remember too, that some folk visit blogs, leave a sarky comment then go, never to be seen again, it’s what makes their day complete….
I know but I would like if we don’t resort to their level.
good-morning!
Have we any players in England team u-17 european cup?
Morning JM….. I think we have will find out for you.
Will, if ppl wanna come on and have a pop at the regulars on here whom you are one then I am not going to be nice to the fella, by all measn come and make valid points but if you wanna make smart arse comments and snidy remarks your gonna get told to sling your hook, I won’t sit and listen to crap like that aimed at the regulars or anyone else for that matter that comes on here and 99% of the time talks sense and debates things in the right way. If they start to get to stupid its simple they get binned 😉
I will look that up JM.
As one of the brighter pundits pointed out in a column the other day Wilshere is a regular for Arsenal under Wenger and has become a valued midfielder in the Full England squad – what is he going to learn by playing at U/21 under Pearce – nothing!!!! England would be far better served by blooding another young midfielder.
Good Morning Gooners, how is everything out there in Arsenal Land?
Absolutely made-up for Aaron Ramsey, i couldn’t have been happier to see him score last weekend.
The result though, just left me feeling angry and frustrated at the 13pts thrown away since we beat Wolves in Feb.
Great post Rico.
SoCM………. Spot on………. Once you’ve played for the Senior England team and your considered a member of the squad back to the U21’s is surely a backward step that does what good…? Look after what you have don’t run them into the ground and as you say gives opportunities to other young players to getinto the squad and make a name for themselves.
Allo AK hope all good mate…!
Hi SoCM, thats another good point, we have plenty they could blood….
Hi kev and thanks, i know how you feel – winning just our home games would have seen us lifting that trophy…
3 point Spuds
3 point newcastle
2 points B’Burn
2 points Dippers
Thats 10, we be way ahead now and there are more we bottled it in….
Stuart Pearce’s remit is to produce players ready to play for the senior squad, not to be a ‘pot-hunter’.
Maybe Wenger should give Jack 6 weeks off in August? Capello would be delighted when the qualifyers come around.
On newsnow having a look around and I read an article from the Staffordshire press and it actually blamed Nik B for pulling on Shawcross’s shirt which made him late in the tackle that resulted in Rambo’s broken leg.
People never fail to amaze me.
WATH, spot on re your earlier 😉
Rico, that’s how i see it as well. I cannot remember a season when Arsenal have thrown away such an easy Title. Both Mancs & Chavs there for the taking. No wonder Wenger was going apeshit!
Hi Wath buddy, i’m doing good. Got a big erection job on today…..
kev, less of the big erections on here please 😉 😉
U might wanna rephrase your last comment AK dont want Rico getting all excited 😉
JM, we have noone in the U17’s squad but Zak Ansah is still eligible……!
I still cannot believe how we have blown it, losing/drawing against some of the sides we have is just plain crazy…..
Morning peeps….good post Rico!
Ooops she soon jumped on that one eh….. 😀
Rico, i do beg your pardon [hehe] got a fench to erect…..
Hahaha Wath. Leave it to me to light the fuse eh?
I’m still concerned about our transfer programme this summer (or lack of it)…
erecting french’s kev?
Had a look on the England site, no Gooners in U17’s. Not sure what that says about our Academy…..?
Mornin Lee…..
Morning Lee, thanks
Trust you WATH 😆
Got one in the Dutch though Embecillo
Hi Lee, Not sure how to answer that without the risk of Rico slinging me off…lol
Ouch………. Now u wanna burn it AK……. sadist 🙂
Wath, it’s all in the imagination mate…..lol And i do have a good one….
Anyway, glad your all in good spirits, got some erecting to do, see ya all in a bit….
Walkies time for me, so have to leave you for a bit 😉
Back shortly….
One reserve has been released according to YG’s, George Brislen-Hall…. few more to go yet Arsene 😉
laters
Arsenal Football Club, whose victory over Manchester United on Sunday rekindled the Premier League title race, have agreed a three-year partnership with home appliance manufacturer Indesit.
The new sponsorship – a ‘multi-million pound deal’ according to Arsenal – will see the company work with the north London club as it looks to drive business in the UK and throughout Europe. It is another piece of good news for Arsenal on a commercial front, with the club keen to make progress in the area. The Gunners earned some £44 million in commercial revenues last season, according to Deloitte – just over half of the £81.4 million earned by Premier League rivals United.
Still doesn’t say how much this deal is worth though Will, they are keeping quiet…
They are, which makes me think it is £2m, that is multi right?
🙂 Will, I think, well, hope it will be a bit more than that …
Got to go again, back in a bit….
u-17 European cup:
Group 1:
Danemark 3 Servia 2
England 1 France 1
Group 2:
Nederland 2 Germany 0
Roumania 1 Cescz Rep. 1
So, none players in england squad u-17… uhhhmmm…
the young boys are not good enought?
Afternoon Gooners.
Just been looking on the FA’s website.
According to info on there Arsenal have Nico Yennaris in & around the U.19’s & U18’s. Chuks Aneke is likewise in the U.18’s with Zak Ansah around the U.17’s. We do have 5 or 6 players in and around the U.16’s.
Maybe the Arsenal players don’t conform to the England norm of being big, powerfull 6’+ monsters?
Frankly i couldn’t give a toss if the out-of-date coaches with England don’t want to pick our players, our lads are probably better off not having their skills messed with by coaches more interested in workrate & running rather than technique.
Like Theo, all I can said that success had gone to the head of Jack, with him returning kanckered or worse, crocked like Theo, and missed virtually whole fo pre-season training.
End result – like Theo, his development came to a screechign halt anf found himself behind Ramsey, a new buy and even Lansbury..struggling to find form throughout 2011/12 season and just a bit-part player….an anonymous player than in 2011/12.
Jakc over-estimated himself and beleive in all the hype that had written about him.
He is not that yet, lack that cutitgn edge in frotn of goal, does not possess that split seonc deision making of Cesc nor his instinct to spot an opening and a split second ahead of his opponent to exploit that passing channel.
He is just a squad player as 2010/2011 season only showed his potential and did not showed his ability to dominate MDIFIELD and to cathc hold of a game by the scruff of its neck and to impose his authority on it.
Wenger will not wait upon him during pre-seaosn training to shape the TEAM he wanted, perhaps with a new buy in a “leader” in midfild who will jumped ahead of Jack as well.
Sad, if both Theo and Jack are daft enough to play for Under-21 and disrupted their 2011/12 pre-season preparation.
You can writeoff both fo e’m for the first 3 months of the season as they will both struggle for form.
Sad that both of ’em are so dumb and have not learned the lesson fo WC2010 wich so derailed Arsenal pre-seasong trianign fro you-know-who..who struggled with injury and form throughout this season.
Hello guys! I know it’s a bit off topic, but I just read on a dansh website, that we are strongly linked with Radamel Falcao, the Porto striker we were after a couple of seasons ago. Do you think this is just pure speculation? Or something his agent is stating just to bring his price up? What do you all think? would he be a good signing?
You are right Merlin, jack needs to think about his future.
I am not sure as I have not seen enough of Falcao and it could be based on one good game and the fact we need a goal getter.
I may just upset a few people but I don’t see the problem with Jack or any of our boys playing for their country at any level, Pierce wants to field a strong team, and I don’t think there’s an argument that Jack is a good un, Pierce has had charge of the under 21 side for some time and has helped Jacks game improve, in all honesty Jack at nineteen should be playing for the under 21’s and not in the seniors, but as we all know England don’t have to many Jack Wilshere’s. I for one had the hump because we were the first team to field a non English player, and that’s in an English league, now we have players, and we want to stop them playing. Wilshere is earning men’s wages playing against men in one of the toughest leagues in the world, he should be man enough to either say I will or I wont, and take the responsibility on his own shoulders like he is doing, i say well done Jack, you look like you have the Bulldog spirit, and you need to play for your country at what ever level you can manage. he’s English and I’m English and it looks as though we are both proud of the fact.
I have not seen him in action that much either. But he has scored 69 goals in 83 appearances for porto in all competitions. Plus he is currently the top scorer in the Europa league with 15 goals. SUrely he couldn’t be a bad buy?
Steve: ” in all honesty Jack at nineteen should be playing for the under 21′s and not in the seniors,”
Why?
Because we should have enough players at what ever level, when I played as a lad if you were under sixteen you played for the under sixteen’s and so on up till you was classed as a man, I thought that was self explanatory
Afternoon folks 🙂
I don’t begrudge anyone playing for their country, but pick him for one and stick with him at that level – and wait and see what happens when Lampard, Gerrard and Barry are all fit together, who will make way?
But you are being a tad short sighted Steve. If England had an 18 year old Messi, would you make him wait for three years before letting him play?
If you are good enough, you are old enough. I was playing men’s football at 15 and gave up school football, are you saying that was wrong?
All I know Will is, that if its called under 21’s you have to be under 21,what your saying is that a 23 year old, because he is good enough should be able to play for the under 21’s That’s what the age limits was brought in for.
Where did I say that Steve, please find it and post it for me.
Will age limits have to work both ways you shouldn’t be able to play higher or lower than your age group
Falcao was born in colombia but at 11 years old was “transfer” to River Plate. His nickname is the “Tiger”. Porto and Benfica were knock up for him at two years ago. Porto won.
Like I have written a few days ago, he is a very good center forward. He is not the best score of Portuguese League, maybe because he didn’t play all the matches. Maybe half of them. Anyway, he scores in all the competitions.
from a Portuguese ndaily newspaper:
Radamel Falcao has cost 5.4 million euros to F. C. Porto, but the 34 goals scored this season put him on a level much higher. Above 30 million, the termination clause. According to FIFA five agents, the ace is worth 45 million.
Some would be wondering how Falcon is capable of flying over the central and head so accurately when only has 1.78 meters. It is an end-of-spear down, but very capable, so it’s the best scorer in Europe League with 16 goals. There is an explanation: when I was little, his father taught him to jump and head the ball. Lost hours to explain the technique and cast it time to jump because he knew how important this was a football player. Radamel Garcia, the father was also a footballer, gave him the name of Falco, the Brazilian star that filled the lawns.
I’ve seen most of the games of Falcao in those two seasons and is a pleasure to watch him play.
That is short sighted Steve, good job there is no age limit at club level innit?
In that, we agree in Will
For me, if you are good enough, you are old enough.
if the rules were stuck to Will we wouldn’t be debating it, i understand where your coming from, and do agree in part, but perhaps its time to drop the age groups, and then people would say we are not protecting our youngsters.
I would understand if jack was not a first on the team-sheet at one of the biggets clubs in the world and an almost starter at international level but jack is and sending him back down is just about winning and not development.
And to answer your question about short sightedness I could drive a car at fifteen but couldn’t get a licence till I was seventeen. Rules
Are you really going there? Driving rules in a football debate?
Good debate guys, how come carroll is playing in the under 21’s when he is not under 21???
I’m struggling Will
Hi JM, at that price I think it is fair to assume he won’t be coming Arsenal’s way 🙁
Just a tad Steve 😉
Score tonight
Falls within the age rules rico, his birthday, (are you stirring it) you little—-
If she’s lucky 😉
Arsenal and Tottenham have been put on red alert after reports in France claim coveted striker Gervinho has rejected a new deal at Lille.
Magazine France Football claims the player’s agent has announced the Ivorian will not be signing a contract extension with the Ligue 1 side after an offer was tabled last month.
The French club have now slapped a £10.5m price tag on Gervinho and will look to push through any move this summer in order to avoid losing him for free next year when his deal expires.
Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp are both rumoured to be interested in the player, who has scored 25 goals in 54 appearances for Lille, while German giants Bayern Munich are also said to be looking at the 23-year-old.
Steve, me 😉 you should know me better by now 😉
William!! 😆
What?
your 5.42 Will 😉
I have no idea what you mean
Yes you do Will, the score tonight comment from Steve and your reply 😉
Anyway….. moving on swiftly…
Seems all quiet here so i’m heading off for the day, be good all and catch you tommorrow….
Nighty night 🙂
Blimey Inverness are beating Celtic 3-1 with ten minutes to go!!!
Evening Gooners.
Hello Rico, Good night Rico, say goodnight to Miss Fido for me…lol
Looks like Old Red Nose has picked a team tonight with one eye on Chelsea… An early goal from Schalke could make for an interesting evening?
Kev, you get it up??? 😉
Gervinho is a interesting player!!!:-)
poor Celtic 🙁
Falcao, don’t leave Porto this year. We must wait and see his performance for next Champions League. We and all! He goes to make a new contract to Porto and his performance still so good, maybe 45 millions for contract him. So, look the trade of Porto. Porto paid for him 12,5 million, at the moment 1 league, 1 portuguese cup, 1 national super-up,another presence at Portuguese cup, maybe in the League cup too and the profits 😉
JM, at that price he’ll never be a gunner….
Hi Lee. Nah mate, couldn’t get it up. I’ll try to be carefull here [don’t want to incur the wrath of Rico}, it was all about digging holes today. The posts etc get delivered tomorrow, so i’ll be on the job in the morning….
JM/Lee, Arsenal never seem to have any luck signing Portugese players… Look at how long we were linked to Veloso and Moutinho, but nowt happened.
It’s like a carry on film Kev… Lol….. Did you go on Sunday?
Lee, it depends! Understand that when Porto is open to trade him, it is a matter of being interested, really interested and make proposals.
The price may drop, because there may also be the interested off the player.
1-0…
Moutinho wil be interesting; Veloso not. Others two sporting former players. Moutinho is now a Porto player.
I know Lee, it’s all a larf mate. I knew if i gave Wath the bait, that he’d be off.
Do you know i could have had two tickets Sunday Lee! Both my son and his mate had other things on, but i was working [ getting the dough for you-know-what, hehe. Ohh Matron!].
Did you go Lee?
Oi Oi you boys 😉
Yeah Kev, I was there…..if we’d taken our chances earlier in the season….so frustrating!!!
ha ha Rico, you been spying on us
Portuguese referee at Old Trafford…
That’s it Lee, i’ve seen Arse miss out a few times, but this season really was a wastefull in the extreme.
It was there for the taking this season….. And you know, everyone will strengthen this summer…I really hope we do!!
😆 kev, never spying, just making sure you don’t get abused by a missing village person ( thanks lee for that expression 🙂 )
That’s it again, when you have an opportunity, you have to take it. Look at the Scousers when they missed out 3 years ago, bet they never imagined the following season [2009-10] that they’d finish outside the top four 12 months after being runners-up. Stupid by Arsenal.
You got me Rico, hehe, i surrender!
Hiya Rico, some people need to be put straight!! 🙂
Rico, i’ve a row of those bloody evergreen trees, you know the ones that grow to about 50 ft, on my boundary. What a job cutting them down.
Two man team… the scousers but dalglish done ok without them…
Lincoln 0 Arsenal 0 (women)…
kev, not if you get someone to do it for you 😉
Darn right they do Lee 🙂
Sounds pompass but i don’t mean to be, but i am lucky to have you guys and all the regs on here who always look after eachother – HH wouldn’t be the same without you….
JM,
our ladies need to pick their season up after the loss at the weekend…
Right, i am def off, got a film to watch, nighty folks, be good and have a fab evening… 😛
I feel a “bit part player” Rico but seems a really friendly buzz here… A few village’s but they get their just deserts!!! 😉
Leylandai, or something like that.
Haha Rico, i’ve got my next-door-neighbour to help, he’s a star.
Very nice sentiments Rico, but you [and Wath] set the standard, we just follow.
you know, i do look on other web sites, but the way some ‘fans’ react to each other, and the abuse, i really cannot believe it. But not on Here.
Rico………..are you really going??????? lol
Goodnight ‘Matron’….haha.
Me too Kev, but good crack & serious banter here…
Lee…’bit-part’, whys that mate? You always have something to write, worth reading.
Lee, i’m sure some of the other sites ‘miss-out’ on decent comments and contributions from the occassional ‘visitor’. After all, who wants to go on a site only to get slagged-off or ignored. Do you notice that Rico answers everyone who comes on here! She sets a welcoming tone, that’s why this is the only site i contribute on regularily.
Kev,I know and love the gunners, but there’s bods on here that know the ins and outs of the game and of our club too….
Yeah Kev, always a response and some of the comments don’t warrant it…..
You think the mancs can beat barca?
I know mate, when some of them start off on the finances, shares, sponsorship lark, i drop out, it goes over my head. Still, i always find what you write interesting.
Are you going to Villa? I’m not going to that one now, but i hope to go to Fulham, i haven’t been there since ‘terraces’, i went with a mate to see West Ham play Fulham. The foodlights went out… Carry On Up The Cottage eh?
I’d love them both to lose Lee, but i gotta say i think Barca will win 3-1.
In a way, at least we can say that Arsenal were the only team to beat Barca!
Yeah gonna see the villa game….but aside from the gurus,there’s a good crack!!!
And if RVP stayed on……
If RVP had stayed fit all season?
Kev…..double??
Lee 2010-11 is the season of ‘what if?’
Vermaelen, RVP, etc
But without sounding tedious… someone could of rectified the situation!!!
Double? yeah, your right, it could have happened. Never thought we’d blow-it in the Carling Cup, i should have know better… But who knows where this season may have taken us if we’d won that bloody cup?
IMO if we’d won the CC, we’d of won the league…
Well i do hope that ‘he’s’ finally learnt his lesson, because we all know how close we are to glory. This Close Season window is ‘his’ most important since 1997, he simply has to rectify the weaknesses in the squad/team.
Damn, the Mancs are 3-1… Glad i’m not watching it.
Lee mate, i’ve got to jump in the bath.
You on here later?
If not, then i’ll see ya tomorrow.
Two world class additions…..
I’m outta here Kev….see you later mate!
That’s right Lee, two top quality players will do it. For me Benzema and Cahill. Now if Wenger delivered those two i’d be well made up.
No, I do not begrudge Jakc playing in Under-21.
But man oh man, just look at the schedule as by the tiem Under-2 tournament is finsihed, Jack will more or less had played 61 games..which Wenger had pointed out!
And even Cesc got knackered for paying 50+ games every season when he first started out in 2005/06 season as a regular.
And Jack had even expressed his desire to play in London Olympic 2012..nto forgetting Euro 2012 as well!
And with Arsenal summer Tour happening….surely Jakc should be smart enough that this summer is the only summer where he can get a decent break before summer 2012 where senior football is more important?
if due to Under-21 tournament that he cna’t get a proper rest and his from started to stutter and his performance level dropped like Theo’s stupidity with hisi Ego talking in summer 2009….and lost his place in senior squad durign WC2010???
The same scenario will happen to Jack if he does take a break this summer and continue playing such that physical and mental fatgue will set in durign wintry months…and he may very loses his place in Euro 2012 senior squad!
And may even lost out in London Olympic 2012 Under-23 squad as well.
Morning….
Good comment Merlin and if he isn’t carefull he will miss the lot through injury, he needs rest…
New Post up folks…