Stuart Pearce has suggested that Jack Wilshere could remain with the under-21s despite being named in the full England squad for next week's Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro.
The 18-year-old Arsenal midfielder is expected to feature in Friday's first leg of the under-21 European Championship play-off against Romania, before teaming up with Fabio Capello's full squad ahead of the Wembley qualifier.
That would have ruled him out of Tuesday's return leg for the under-21s, but manager Pearce has now suggested that Wilshere could remain in his squad instead.
"What we have tried to achieve, certainly at the younger age groups, is to upgrade the players if they're going to go in and play," he explained.
"If they are not going to play, leave them in the age group where they can actually play 90 minutes and get 90 minutes' experience.
"I will speak with Fabio and, inevitably, the decision on what happens to Jack will rest on Fabio.
"But whatever decision Fabio, and probably after discussions with myself, comes to, it is for the benefit of the player, really, and the advancement of the player.
"Obviously if Fabio needs him the seniors take precedence."
Wilshere has made ten appearances for the Gunners this season and is now very much part of the first-team squad at the Emirates Stadium.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
