Wilshere at ease in spotlight, says Hodgson

LONDON – England manager Roy Hodgson said Jack Wilshere had lived up to high expectations with his man-of-the-match performance in the win against Brazil.

Thursday, February 07, 2013

LONDON – England manager Roy Hodgson said Jack Wilshere had lived up to high expectations with his man-of-the-match performance in the win against Brazil.Arsenal’s 21-year-old was outstanding in England’s 2-1 victory on only his seventh international appearance.Hodgson said: "I tried to protect him a little from the media in the build-up but he doesn’t need it."It looks like you can crank the expectations up as much as you like and he’s quite comfortable with it.”Wilshere’s England career has been hampered by injury, with the midfielder missing Euro 2012 during a spell of 15 months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.England captain Steven Gerrard said before the match Wilshere has the "potential to become one of the best in the world”.And he was impressive against Brazil as he started alongside Gerrard for the first time. Hodgson added: "As long as he is comfortable with the expectations, why should I worry?"To be frank, if Jack Wilshere keeps up that level of performance he will soon justify all the expectations. He was very, very good as was Theo Walcott, who terrorised the left side of their defence.”England had not beaten Brazil since 1990 but were bright, Wayne Rooney giving them the lead after Joe Hart had saved Ronaldinho’s penalty.Fred equalised for Brazil before substitute Frank Lampard’s 27th goal for his country secured the win on the hour.