Capello cagey on Wilshere future

10 February 2011 08:00

Fabio Capello declared himself satisfied with Jack Wilshere's first England start - but refused to confirm whether the 19-year-old would keep his place for next month's Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales.

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Although Wilshere did not look entirely comfortable in the midfield holding role Capello had given him, and was at times put in the shade by Denmark's own wonderkid Christian Eriksen, the Arsenal starlet was confident in possession and always kept trying to go forward in England's 2-1 win in Copenhagen.

"It is too early to decide about Wales now," said Capello.

"He played well. It was not easy in the first half because Denmark pressed and ran a lot, but Jack played with a lot of confidence. I am happy with that performance. But now have to wait for a month because all the players have some really important games, not only in the Premier League but in the Champions League too."

If Capello is not going to confirm his starting plans, fitness permitting, Wilshere's place in the 23-man squad for Cardiff is guaranteed.

The same could also be said of Aston Villa pair Darren Bent and Ashley Young, whose goals secured a first win in Scandinavia since 1992 after England had fallen behind to a seventh-minute Daniel Agger header.

For Bent, it was further proof that he can replicate his impressive domestic goals record at international level, while Young revelled in the space just behind his new team-mate, something Wayne Rooney had not done in the opening period.

"In this position Young is really good because he is free," said Capello. "He can run where he wants. He has to defend as well but he is really fast, technically good, and dangerous for the opponents."

It undoubtedly raises a question over whether Capello would contemplate selecting Young ahead of Rooney, even if the Italian is not posing it just yet.

"No," he replied. "In the future I have players, like Rooney, like Bent, like Carroll, like Defoe, like Crouch. I have to decide which one plays depending on what form they are in."

Source: PA