Busy summer for Liverpool & Arsenal duo
Senior internationals Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere were the most high-profile players to be selected by Stuart Pearce in his provisional 40-man squad for this summer's European Under-21 Championship in Denmark.
The move is sure to disappoint Arsene Wenger, who objected fiercely to Wilshere's Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott's inclusion in the squad that lost the final to Germany two years ago, while it is unknown whether Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish objects to his £35 million man having an extended season.
Pearce has admitted that Wenger had opposed his decision to call upon Wilshere, drawing on his own experiences as a player to claim that a hectic summer won't halt his development, and Three Lions coach Fabio Capello is believed to strongly support his stance.
Much of the credit for Germany's run to the World Cup semi-finals in South Africa last year, during which the likes of England and Argentina were left in their wake, was given to the success of their Under-21 team 12 months earlier, and the willingness of coach Joachim Low to promote those guys.
Capello is hoping that by giving the likes of Wilshere and Carroll - who appear destined for starting roles at Euro 2012 - experience of international tournament football in Scandinavia, and presenting them with an extra opportunity to perform together, it will be of long-term benefit to the national side.
If you believe that Capello and Pearce's planning could be looking shrewd by the time that Euro 2012 comes around then you can take advantage of odds of [9.6] on England winning the competition on Betfair. Unsurprisingly, holders Spain are favourites at [4.2], close followed by Germany at [5.6].
Do you agree with Pearce opting to use senior players? Have your say below...
Published: 4 May 2011
Michael Smith (May 4, 2011 3:56 PM) said:
In our latest look at the fortunes of professional soccer Manchester United is once again on top, the most valuable franchise in football, and in all of professional sports, at $1.86 billion. Number two? Real Madrid with a value of $1.4 billion. Arsenal, at $1.19 billion is number three.