Harry Redknapp: 'Jack Wilshere can be England's Andrea Pirlo'

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp believes that Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere can be England's answer to Andrea Pirlo.

The Juventus star ran the show as Italy knocked England out of Euro 2012 4-2 on penalties after dominating the majority of the 120 minutes. Wilshere missed the tournament and the whole of the last Premier League campaign through injury, but Redknapp feels that the 20-year-old can become an important player for the national side in the future.

"It's a depressing way to go out as we were dominated by an Italian team that hasn't looked that special at Euro 2012," said Redknapp.

"In Andrea Pirlo, Italy had a magician on the pitch, but England do have one of our own in the shape of Jack Wilshere and that's one reason to believe we can improve in the future.

"It's over to Roy now. He has four years to stamp his style on the national team and set-up.

"And maybe with Wilshere to the fore and a few of the old guard around him he can do it."

Redknapp is currently without a club after being sacked by Spurs at the end of the season.