Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Jack Wilshere could be the man to solve England's problems.
The 18-year-old was the man of the match in the Gunners' 3-2 victory over Celtic on Sunday, which clinched the pre-season Emirates Cup, with a trademark display of all-action passing football.
Wilshere, who spent time on loan at Bolton in the second half of last season, also starred in the competition 12 months ago and as a result was referenced as the long-term replacement for Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas.
The England Under 21 international's development is also thought to have placed him in contention for a senior call-up after the World Cup failure and, although he has warned against over-hyping the teenager, Wenger would not object.
With the Three Lions' friendly against Hungary on 11th August in mind, the Gunners boss said after the defeat of Celtic: "At the end of the day, when you're a good football player, you have to deal with that.
Top level
"Theo Walcott was at the World Cup at 17 years of age; he had not played one game in the Premier League, and it didn't kill him.
"To play at the top level, you have to deal with these kinds of situations."
Wenger added: "I believe he is stronger than last year, physically, and the few months he played at Bolton has given him something.
"He will be used at the club, of course."
Wenger continued: "The problem at that age is to be patient; you don't have patience.
No guarantee
"If you look at the number of good players we have in midfield, nobody can guarantee a position to anybody."
Wenger also made a strong case for the Football Association to snap up fellow midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong, 18, who is eligible for both England and Ghana.
The Frenchman said: "He's a bit less of a dribbler but he's a fighter and a winner.
"Here you have a boy who can choose between England and Ghana.
"So if I was in your place, I would have no hesitation, and invite him to play very quickly for England."
From skysports.com
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