Roy Hodgson: 'Jack Wilshere not affected by England eligibility debate'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 10 October 2013

England boss Roy Hodgson insists that Jack Wilshere has not been affected by his comments regarding the international eligibility row.

England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that Jack Wilshere has 'shrugged off' the furore surrounding him for his comments regarding international eligibility.

The Arsenal midfielder claimed earlier this week that only English players should represent the Three Lions following calls for Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj to be picked by England.

The 18-year-old, who was born in Belgium, could be eligible to represent the country he currently plays in due to FIFA residency rules.

Following Wilshere's comments, England cricketer Kevin Pietersen approached the midfielder via Twitter and mentioned the likes of non-England-born sportsmen Justin Rose and Mo Farah.

"People are always complaining that players don't have an opinion or that they say nothing worth listening to, so I don't think it's quite right to criticise someone for having an opinion," Hodgson said in a press conference.

"The subject matter is worthy of debate and, at the end of the day, it will be a policy decision taken by the FA. From my point of view, it hasn't affected Jack. I think he just shrugs it off.

"He's put behind him the unfortunate furore over his quotes and it's not affected him one bit on the field. I think England will get a lot out of him in these next two games and for a long, long time to come."

Wilshere is likely to start for England in their World Cup qualifier against Montenegro on Friday.