England youngster Jack Wilshere is adamant he wants to play at the U21s European Championship in the summer.
Gunners ace keen to feature at age-group level
England youngster Jack Wilshere is adamant he wants to play at the Under-21s European Championship in the summer, despite Arsene Wenger's reservations.
The Arsenal boss has voiced concerns over Wilshere's potential involvement in the tournament, insisting England should decide whether the 19-year-old is now regarded as a senior player or part of Stuart Pearce's U21 squad.
Pearce, supported by senior FA figures, believes that while Wilshere is undoubtedly a member of Fabio Capello's set-up, the experience of the competition in Denmark will be invaluable to his development.
And midfielder Wilshere, who made his full competitive debut for England in their Euro 2012 qualifying win against Wales on Saturday, insists he wants to feature in the summer.
He said: "This is international football and I want to play in any international football.
"It's up to Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello. They will talk and see what's best for me.
"I always speak to the manager at Arsenal and I will again. I am sure Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello will talk to him as well."
Important
England manager Capello has underlined the importance of this summer's tournament, but says a decision over Wilshere's involvement does not fall to him.
"This is the decision between Stuart Pearce and Arsene Wenger," said the Italian.
"I heard that a Barcelona player (believed to be World Cup winner Pedro) has told his club that we wants to play.
"Wilshere is really important for us but I don't have exclusive rights over him.
"He is playing a lot of games this season and he will be playing in the summer.
"But it is the same for players at the Copa America and this tournament is important."
