England World Cup EXCLUSIVE: Jack Wilshere talks Three Lions ahead of Colombia clash
JACK WILSHERE says he will be watching England against Colombia tonight and is backing a win for Gareth Southgate’s men.
Posted Tuesday, July 03, 2018 by Dailystar.co.uk
Jack Wilshere says he's backing England to beat Colombia
The midfielder played regularly for Arsenal last season but was overlooked by the former Middlesbrough boss.
Wilshere, who has now left the Emirates, says avoiding the action in Russia was never an option though.
"It’s not difficult watching it,” Wilshere exclusively told Starsport.
"I said even when I was left out, I am an England fan and I’ll be supporting the boys.
"It’s in my blood, it’s too hard not to.
"I remember for the first game I was in Ibiza with my missus and kids. We found some little bar somewhere because I felt I had to watch it.
"I’m enjoying it and I’m looking forward to watching them tonight.
"With regards to the future, Gareth said the door was still open to me and I wished him well for the tournament.”
England booked their place in the knock-out stages after victories over Tunisia and Panama.
Southgate controversially opted to rotate his squad for the final group game and made eight changes.
Gareth Southgate made eight changes for England's match with Belgium
England lost the clash 1-0 to finish second in the group.
Wilshere, however, reckons the gaffer made the right call.
He said: “I think it was important for the players in the squad.
"I’ve been in tournaments before when you’ve been away for a while and you’re not really playing, you’re just training.
"Sometimes you can feel like you’re not really part of it.
"I think it was a good decision, we had qualified and it didn’t really matter if we came first or second. Some have argued we are almost better off finishing second.
"You can help build momentum in training by keeping the pace and intensity high.
"Make things happen in training and then you can transfer that onto the pitch.
"Gareth will probably make a few changes again tonight and the players will feel fresher and raring to go.”
Colombia star James Rodriguez has impressed Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere was speaking at the William Hill Arms Pub
England infamously crashed out of Euro 2016 to Iceland in the last 16 under Roy Hodgson’s stewardship.
Wilshere insists Southgate won’t underestimate Colombia who secured victories over Senegal and Poland in group H.
"I don’t think Gareth will let that happen,” added Wilshere who speaking at the William Hill Arms Pub.
"He’s got a team behind him who will analyse and watch game after game, player after player.
"He’ll know them inside out and know their strengths, but also their weakness which is what England will try and exploit.
"They’ve got players who came make things happen.
"James Rodriguez, I’ve not played against him, but I’ve watched him hundreds of times at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He’s obviously a very special player.
"England need to watch out for him - and Radamel Falcao can also score goals.
"He’s proved that over the last season in Monaco and for Colombia as well.
"It’s going to be a tough game, but overall I think we’re the better team and if we play to our best ability on the night then we should be alright.”
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