England a happy camp - Wilshere

Jack Wilshere thinks the England camp is now a much nicer place to beunder Roy Hodgson than it was under former manager Fabio Capello.

Last Updated: 08/02/13 at 07:56 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  World Cup 2014 Winner.. Click here to bet.

Jack Wilshere: Caught the eye against Brazil

Jack Wilshere: Caught the eye against Brazil

Wilshere made his first appearance for England in 20 months last night and he did not disappoint, earning the man of the match award for a superb display in a shock 2-1 victory over Brazil at Wembley.

The 21-year-old injected dynamism, creativity and energy into England's midfield alongside Steven Gerrard, who skippered the team to victory courtesy of goals from Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard.

Capello gave Wilshere his debut in August 2010 and he went on to hand the Arsenal midfielder four more caps before injury prevented him from going to Euro 2012 under Capello's successor Roy Hodgson.

Wilshere has noticed a distinct change in the environment of the England camp since he returned to the international fold under Hodgson, who was appointed to replace Capello in May.

He said: "It's totally different from before. For one, the manager has changed and all the staff have changed, too, so it's a totally different atmosphere. It's a nice atmosphere.

"There are more English people around and we get on really well and are more relaxed.

"We have some good young players now and some with experience, so it's important we have got a good blend and it worked well (against Brazil)."

Wilshere received widespread praise for his performance against the five-time world champions last night, particularly as it came so soon after his 14-month foot injury lay-off.

The Arsenal man insists he can handle the rising expectation levels after his stunning efforts.

Gerrard had insisted the day before the match that "one player can't carry the nation" but Wilshere is prepared to deal with the pressure that goes with being regarded as one of England's key men.

The Arsenal star said: "I don't think one player can ever win a World Cup for a nation. Listen, I've got great players around me.

"We've got Steven Gerrard, still one of the best midfielders in the world, and Lamps (Lampard) who came on, and we've got good young players as well.

"There are going to be expectations and when you are playing well and you are in the national team, there are always going to be high expectations.

"But I think you have to deal with that."

Wilshere says he benefits from having Gerrard and Lampard alongside him and he feels more comfortable in the 4-3-3 formation used by manager Roy Hodgson against the Brazilians.

He said: "It's great having Stevie and Lamps alongside me. I used to come to Wembley to watch them play, so to play with them now is a dream come true.

"It's testament to them that they keep doing it at their age.

"Ten years at the top is something I want to do so, looking at those two, is something I look up to. I think they will carry on another year to the World Cup.

"Stevie is probably the fittest guy in the team and Lamps got a great goal and he has been doing that for years, scoring important goals and he keeps doing it."

Wilshere added: "I think the formation helped. I prefer to play in a three rather than a 4-4-2. A 4-3-3 system suits my game and suits the other players better.

"If we get that side right, we can dominate a midfield and we showed that tonight (Wednesday). I think we have got a good blend in midfield now.

"You've got Stevie who is playing the holding role. He's not really a holding midfielder but he did it brilliantly and he goes forward and then me or Tom (Cleverley) can cover him.

"There's Michael Carrick as well and Leon Osman and players like that. We've got a good bunch of midfielders and hopefully that can bode well for England.

"But we also defend well and, once we get the chance to go forward, we break really well and we've got the pace with Theo (Walcott) and Wayne (Rooney) up front.

"We work hard on tactics. That's what Roy does, he is great at that. He gets us working well defensively and going forward.

"If we can keep doing that and working on that, we can improve."

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