Fergie queries value of international friendlies
Alex Ferguson cannot see the point of England’s friendly with Sweden in Stockholm next week.
The selection of Jack Wilshere has already provided the game with its major talking point given the Arsenal midfielder is only three matches into his comeback after 17 months out, and Arsene Wenger has expressed his unease at the 20-year-old being named in Roy Hodgson’s squad.
Ferguson has some sympathy with the Frenchman.
And, even though England will train at Manchester United’s Carrington HQ on Monday, the Red Devils chief does not understand what benefit will be gained.
“Friendly games at this time of year don’t mean a thing to me,” said Ferguson.
“It won’t be a full squad anyway because players will drop out.
“I can understand where Arsene is coming from with that (Wilshere complaint).
“When you are out for a long period and play your first game, the adrenaline helps you.
“But there is a physical reaction a few days later. You never know after someone has been out for so long.”
Such is Wilshere’s value to Arsenal’s flagging campaign, it is little wonder Wenger is so troubled, something the player has acknowledged in an interview with BBC’s Football Focus.
“Maybe it is a bit too soon (to be called up) because I have only played three games since I have been back,” said the 20-year-old.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
