Wilshere is not fit and needs a rest for Arsenal

I am not trying to completely excuse the performances of the Arsenal stars Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott in England’s draw against Ukraine on Tuesday, because both were below par, but there are some mitigating circumstances we should look at, and the main one is Wilshere’s lack of match fitness. Roy Hodgson defended the 21-year old midfielder after he was criticised for his England performance. The national team boss reminded people that Jack is still not at his full fitness, and that is why he was replaced in the second half. Well, you were warned, Roy. Wenger said before the break that it would make more sense to keep Jack in reserve for the Ukraine match, but Hodgson used him against Moldova and he was much sharper in that game. Unfortunately, Wenger may now have to follow his own advice and rest Jack for the Sunderland game and then unleash him on Marseille next Wednesday. For Jack’s talent to shine, he needs the power burst that sees him glide past players as if they weren’t there, and it just wasn’t there against Ukraine. He was like an F1 car whose KERS doesn’t work. It is harder to find excuses for Theo, who had his worst performance for a while in an England shirt. Yes he should have stayed wider and made space, as well as doing more with the ball when he had it, but the service to him was woeful. He also had to be defensive minded because if the way England approached the game, as well as covering for Tottenham’s Kyle Walker who was the worst player on the pitch at right back. Theo could probably do with a rest as well, but there is not really anyone to cover for him, so if he’s fit, he will play.