Capello reveals Wilshere role

Fabio Capello intends to field Arsenal prodigy Jack Wilshere in a withdrawn role when he starts his first match for England on Wednesday.

Wilshere, 19, has established himself as an automatic starter in the Arsenal midfield this season.

He made his England debut off the bench in the 2-1 win over Hungary in August, but will line-up from the kick-off for the first time against Denmark in Wednesday’s friendly at the Parken Stadium.

Despite his relative inexperience, England coach Capello believes the teenager has the ability to adapt to a variety of roles at international level.

“I know he prefers to go forward but an intelligent player can play anywhere,” Capello said.

“I used the example of Claude Makelele before. Andrea Pirlo also started just behind the forward player but ended up playing in front of the back four.”

“The thing is, he plays with confidence, never with fear. And other players have confidence in him.”

“He is not playing for a team that’s trying to stay in the Premier League. It is Arsenal, second in the table. It is incredible for someone so young.”

“I know Wilshere is 19 but I remember the best players I managed; (Franco) Baresi, (Paolo) Maldini, Raul. They all started really young.”

“It is the same talent. But people have to wait. He is young and needs experience in big games, like the Champions League and matches between the big teams in England.”

While great things are already expected of Wilshere, his club teammate Nicklas Bendtner has cautioned England against a repeat of the unreasonable pressure placed upon Theo Walcott.

Signed by Arsenal from Southampton in January 2006, expectations skyrocketed when Walcott was picked for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

But Walcott failed to make an appearance in the tournament and struggled to fulfil his early promise.

“Theo can be a lesson for the way you treat Jack,” said Bendtner, who will line up for Denmark against England.

“It’s important to take it easy and realise he is a kid. He’s still young, even though he seems very mature and seems like he has played a long time.”

“I have my own theories on how Theo Walcott was treated by England,” Bendtner added.

“I don’t want to get too much into that because it will probably just get me in trouble.”

“Young players are always put under a lot of pressure very early in England. You always throw players around really quickly.”