Jack Wilshere plays down burn-out fears

Jack Wilshere has played down fears of him suffering footballing burn-out if plays for England's Under-21s in this summer's European Championships.

Wilshere believes it is vital for his development as an international player to be competing in tournaments at a young age.

Arsenal boss Arsenal Wenger has expressed concern at 19-year-old Wilshere playing for Stuart Pearce's side at the end of his first full season of domestic football.

But Wilshere believes he will be up to the task in Denmark during June.

He said: "At the moment I feel I can keep going. I feel fitter than ever.

"I've played 43 games and I feel better than ever.

"I believe the Under-21 tournament will only be good for my career.

"If you look at the Germans, the year before (2009) they won the Under-21 tournament and the following year they went to the World Cup with many of the same players and did well.

"It is important to start winning international tournaments early and get that mentality into you.

"Then hopefully you can take it onto the world stage."

Wilshere will again hold talks with Wenger and understands the Arsenal boss, Pearce and England head coach Fabio Capello will have the final say.

He said: "I want to play. It is up to Stuart Pearce, Fabio Capello and my manager at Arsenal (Wenger).

"They will talk about it and see what is best for me.

"I'm always in contact with my manager at Arsenal, who has been a big part of my career, and I'll always talk to him.

"I'll be talking him over the next few weeks."

Wilshere refuses to believe he has claimed a regular starting spot with England despite another mature performance in the 1-1 draw with Ghana at Wembley last night.

He said: "There are players like Stevie G (Steven Gerrard) to come back in and Frank Lampard was missing for this game.

"I'm still 19, I have to go back to my club and work hard, and put in the performances for my club and then hopefully I can get picked at international level.

"We were missing a lot of players, big players for England, and we still got a good result.

"There are players to come in, and there are younger players as well, and it's only good for English football."

Wilshere added: "There is more competition now. Players like Stewart Downing and Ashley Young are really coming on now, myself and James Milner as well.

"There are young players and players with a bit more experience so it is a good mix."