Wilshere ‘a special player’

Roy Hodgson says Jack Wilshere deserved a place in England’s Euro 2016 squad despite an injury-hit season because he is a ‘special player’.

The Arsenal midfielder was included in Hodgson’s provisional 26-man squad for the tournament in France after finally making his first start of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Wilshere suffered a broken leg in pre-season and had only made two appearances off the bench before being selected to start by Arsene Wenger in Arsenal’s final Premier League game of the season.

But Hodgson feels the 24-year-old, whose career has been blighted by injury, deserves special dispensation because of his quality, and he will be given every chance to force his way into the final 23, which has to be confirmed by May 31.

“He is there on merit, he is a special player. We don’t have lots and lots of Jack Wilsheres available,” Hodgson said.

“Most of his injuries have been trauma injuries. I am not worried about him. Obviously, I think he is a real quality player. He ticks all the boxes.

“I had to ask myself certain questions. Is he actually …

continue reading in source www.skysports.com