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Hodgson praise for Wilshere

England boss Roy Hodgson feels Jack Wilshere can justify the nation's hopes after an impressive display against Brazil.

Last Updated: 07/02/13 at 07:29 Post Comment

Jack Wilshere: Battles for the ball with Oscar during England's win over Bra

Jack Wilshere: Battles for the ball with Oscar during England's win over Bra

Goals from Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard secured a 2-1 win at Wembley despite Fred's goal for the visitors but it was Wilshere who stole the show with a fine performance in midfield.

It was the 21-year-old's first England start since May 2011 but, along with Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott, he caused Brazil all manner of problems and Hodgson was delighted.

"If he can keep up that level of performance he will soon justify all the expectations and hopes because he was very, very good," said Hodgson.

"As was Theo Walcott, he terrorised the left side of their defence, was involved in the first goal and there were so many other occasions when he was within a hair's breadth of scoring or creating a chance.

"It's my first crack at Brazil as a manager and I'm delighted to have been able to oversee a victory.

"It was an all-round performance from the team, there were some very, very good moments and I thought we were good value for two goals to one."

It was a more low-key affair for Ashley Cole on the occasion of his 100th cap as the Chelsea left-back was replaced by Leighton Baines at the interval due to a minor injury.

Hodgson added: "I wasn't intending to take Ashley off at half-time but he was feeling a problem in his hamstring, which may actually be coming from his back.

"He would have soldiered on if it was a qualifier but I didn't want to send him back to Chelsea any more injured."

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