Rio Ferdinand sends message to Arsenal star Jack Wilshere
Rio Ferdinand insists that Jack Wilshere did not deserve a place in the England World Cup squad
Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Jack Wilshere did not deserve a place in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
The Arsenal midfielder did not make it into Gareth Southgate’s squad for the tournament despite having held down a regular spot in the first team at The Emirates for the second half of the campaign.
Wilshere’s future continues to be a source of uncertainty, with the midfielder’s current contract at Arsenal set to expire this summer and he has not yet agreed a new deal with the Gunners.
Southgate’s decision to leave Wilshere out of his squad did raise some eyebrows, but former Manchester United defender Ferdinand feels that it was the right choice.
Ferdinand is quoted as saying by the Evening Standard: “Why would you take him?” Ferdinand asked. “I didn’t disagree with the midfield choices he took. He can count on all the others physically.
“I don’t think there’s an argument. He hasn’t played enough football and hasn’t influenced enough games in the way that those guys have over a sustained period of time.
“I’ve been there with teams where we’ve had players coming in a little bit unfit and it does leave uncertainty in a squad. Even with Wayne Rooney, Becks in 2002, it can destabilise a squad. However small it is it does spread.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are believed to be on the lookout for a number of new signings this summer after they missed out on Champions League qualification for the second season running.
The north London club finished in sixth place and without a trophy in Arsene Wenger’s final campaign in charge before Unai Emery was appointed as his successor last month.
The Gunners have not won the Premier League since their famous unbeaten triumph in 2003-04.
