Arsenal man has to bide his time for England captaincy

Friday, February 8, 2013
8:34 AM

Jack Wilshere might have to wait a while before he gets the chance to become England skipper.

Wilshere’s outstanding performance was the major talking point to emerge from Wednesday’s win.

The 21-year-old showed incredible maturity on only his seventh international appearance and earned a deserved man-of-the-match award.

And despite his tender years, it was easy to imagine Wilshere assuming the captain’s armband, which he has already worn for Arsenal.

Yet even when current incumbent Steven Gerrard steps aside, there are others with claims on the role - specifically Wayne Rooney, but also Joe Hart, Cahill and even Phil Jones, who has previously been spoken of as skipper material.

And Hodgson, whose contract does not expire until 2016, believes Wilshere will have to be patient.

“I am not bothered about it,” Hodgson said. “He is only 21.

“At the moment there are quite a few senior players who are going to be around for a few years to come so he might struggle to knock them off their perch.”