Filed under: Football, England Football
Arsene Wenger finished another season without a trophy but at least he could celebrate victory over Stuart Pearce in his battle surrounding Jack Wilshere's involvement in the European Championships with England under-21s.Wenger has been strongly against Wilshere playing in the tournament held in Denmark next month, with fears of the Arsenal midfielder suffering eventual burnout if he plays.
Pearce's argument was that countries such as Spain and Germany play their strongest under-21 players to give them experience of being away as a squad, benefiting them later in their career when they get promoted to the seniors.
In this club-versus-country row, it was Pearce who had to back down when he announced his final 23-man squad for the competition. Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has also been omitted through injury.
"Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere will not be part of the under-21 squad which travels to Denmark. Andy has been ruled out through injury," confirmed Pearce.
"I spoke to Jack last week and he explained that while he told me in March that he wanted to be part of the squad, he now feels he is not in the best condition to take part in the finals.
"That is based on the number of games he has played for Arsenal this season, sports-science data which Jack was presented with last week and concerns he has for his fitness looking ahead to next season.
"Jack has always expressed his enjoyment at being involved with the under-21 squad, and while I am disappointed not to have him with us for the Finals I've accepted the situation."
Pearce and Wenger have clashed before over Theo Walcott playing in the last tournament, when England reached the final in Sweden.
Arsenal manager Wenger was upset with Walcott being selected, and angered further when the winger was dropped for one of their games. Walcott is still eligible for the under-21s but is thought of as a senior player and was not considered for Denmark.
Pearce added: "I am very conscious of the importance of looking after all our players, and that is why I have frequent conversations with club managers throughout the season.
"I believe that representing your country in international development tournaments can be a great advantage to players, and increases the chances of being successful at senior level."
There will still be impressive names in Pearce's squad, with Micah Richards, Kieran Gibbs, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson included, as well as Chris Smalling and Kyle Walker.
Daniel Sturridge and Connor Wickham are high-profile players in attack, although Pearce's side have a tough group and will be considered considerably weaker without Wilshere and Carroll.
The pair being left out is another victory for clubs over countries. It is hardly a surprise after the thrills of Survival Sunday highlighting how important the Premier League is now. And it is Pearce who is missing out when it comes to his under-21 squad.
England under-21 Squad: Frankie Fielding (Derby County), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough), Alex McCarthy (Reading); Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jones (Blackburn Rovers), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur); Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Jack Cork (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), Henri Lansbury (Arsenal), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton Wanderers), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Scott Sinclair (Swansea City); Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Connor Wickham (Ipswich Town)
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