England recall surprises Wilshere

Jack Wilshere has suggested his recall into the England squad for next week's friendly international away to Sweden following a long injury lay-off may have come "too soon".

The 20-year-old Arsenal playmaker has only recently returned to action following more than a year out of the game but was still selected for the friendly in Stockholm, to the concern of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

Wilshere, who will miss Saturday's Premier League match with Fulham after receiving a red card against Manchester United, told the BBC's Football Focus of his surprise at being chosen in England manager Roy Hodgson's latest squad.

"Maybe it is a bit too soon (to be called up) because I have only played three games since I have been back," Wilshere said.

"But it is great for my head and my confidence to know I am in the new manager's plans.

"The last time I played for England was under Fabio Capello and now there is a new manager and staff, so I did not know the thinking of the new tactics -- would I fit in? Am I in their plans?

"To know now the manager has picked me and he is looking at me for the team is good for me."

Now Wilshere is looking forward to playing his part in helping England qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"It is a new chapter for me in my football career, the last time I played for England was 17 months ago. now everyone can see there is a different style of play," he added.

"For my confidence it is nice to be picked and know I am in the new manager's plans.

"There are a lot of young players in there now, which is great for me.

"I played with the likes of Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling in the under-21s and to see them breaking into the first team now is good for the future."

AFP