Jack Wilshere can still light up England’s summer

Jack Wilshere’s injury-hit season has been a cause of frustration for Arsenal but Darren Anderton, who recovered from similar setbacks to make Euro 96 and World Cup 98, believes it could be a blessing in disguise for England.

Two stress fractures — first to his foot and then in his heel — have prevented the 20-year-old from playing any part in this season, raising fears he may not be fit for this summer’s championships despite manager Arsene Wenger’s optimism over a return late next month.

There were similar concerns 16 years ago, when Anderton missed seven months of the season with a groin injury. He returned for the last four games of Tottenham’s campaign before coming within inches of sending his country into a tournament final, when his shot hit the post in golden-goal extra-time against Germany at Wembley.

It is that experience, as well as scoring against Colombia in the World Cup after recovering from more injury woe only two months earlier, that has convinced the 40-year-old that Wilshere’s lack of matches should not prevent him from making the national squad.

“If he can get himself fit, there is no reason he shouldn’t play,” said Anderton.

“When he got his injury, he was a regular in the England team. Everyone was saying he should be playing and when he did, he played great.

“He’s young, so he’ll regain match fitness very quickly and he is a true talent so he’ll find his touch quickly. I remember, I was very lucky to be fit in time for Euro 96 and then the World Cup, the timing worked out well for me and it could be the same for Jack. It’s so frustrating to be out injured when it drags on as it did for me, as it has done for him.

“You pick up little niggles on your way to fitness. All you want to do is play football, you are desperate to be involved but you don’t want to push it to the point where you come back too soon.

“I would be very surprised if Jack isn’t there in the summer. He is a great talent, he is a class act. He just took to international football, it all came very easy to him so I’d back him to play well in the Euros without needing much domestic action.”

In fact, Anderton believes Wilshere’s lack of playing time could actually benefit the England team in Poland and Ukraine. England managers have long struggled to get their players to peak in a summer tournament which follows a rigorous domestic season and the inclusion of a fresh, enthusiastic player may add some much-needed energy to the squad.

“From an England point of view, it could end up working out really well,” added Anderton. “I’m sure Arsene Wenger won’t be happy with him going out to play for England after missing a big chunk of a season but having someone who has been out for a long time like Jack will help the national squad.

“When you’ve been injured for so long, you are hungry to be involved in a big tournament. I’m sure he’s been thinking about it a lot during his recovery, focusing all his energy towards that.

“There will be players struggling from a long, hard season and to have someone in the squad who is hungry and just desperate to play will be a real boost. If he is able to play a few games before the Euros it will be like pre-season before the tournament and that is a good thing.”

Darren Anderton was speaking at the launch of Barclays Cycle Hire bikes specially-branded for each of the capital’s Barclays Premier League clubs. www.barclays.com