Jack Wilshere will not be going to this summer’s World Cup. You might have heard.
The Arsenal midfielder was not named in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man England squad on Wednesday, meaning he will miss out on a major international tournament for the first time since Euro 2012.
Since the news was confirmed, he’s made his feelings known on social media. Having initially appeared to see the funny side of it on his Instagram stories on Wednesday night – posting a meme of himself and (the also-overlooked) Joe Hart – he followed this the next day with a couple of tweets which explained how disappointed he was to have been left out.
‘I’m naturally incredibly disappointed to have been left out of the England squad for the World Cup,’ he tweeted. ‘I’ve felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad….
‘And given the chance I could have made a real impact.’
In response to the tweet, Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph questioned why Wilshere had felt the need to release a statement about why he felt he should have been included in the squad. Law went on to add that it was a ‘shame he left a good agent and ignored others who wanted to help him.’
What on earth is Jack Wilshere doing releasing statements he should be in the World Cup squad? He is a prime example of a footballer ignoring good advice and let down by bad advice or no advice at all. Shame he left a good agent and ignored others who wanted to help him.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) May 18, 2018
Having seen Law’s tweet, Wilshere later responded.
‘What would you know about me or who gives me advice?’ he asked. ‘Because I believe I should be in the squad means I’m being self indulgent? You know nothing.’
And what would you know about me or who gives me advice? Because i believe i should be in the squad means I'm being self indulgent? You know nothing. https://t.co/Nt2jERAnbS
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) May 18, 2018
Wilshere’s response received thousands of retweets. Law later responded, adding that he’d admired Wilshere’s confidence but insisting he would stick with his opinions on the matter.
‘Clearly you disagree so I’ll leave it there. All the best for the future,’ he signed off.
I've always liked your confidence on and off the pitch but I stand by my opinion on this and, in general, I don't think you have received or taken advice that has been particularly beneficial. Clearly you disagree so I'll leave it there. All the best for the future.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) May 18, 2018
Wilshere may now choose to focus on getting away from football for a few weeks and returning with a renewed vigour for 2018/19.
