Hodgson denies row with Wenger over Wilshere

England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed it is ‘unfortunate’ that Jack Wilshere is not available for selection, but dismissed the rumours he had a row with Arsenal boss Wenger over the player.

Wilshere is set to miss the clash against San Marino and Montenegro after picking up an ankle injury. However according to the recent reports Wilshere could be fit for the forthcoming Premier League game with Reading on the 30th of March. This news has fuelled the speculations of a row with Wenger, suggesting the Frenchman was disappointed that Wilshere played the whole match against Brazil.

Hodgson, however was quit to admit there would always be the conflict of interest between club and country and is confident there is an adequate replacement in England talent pool. He said: “He’s injured and that’s unfortunate,” said the England coach. “But that is part and parcel of life as a football coach. I have no evidence (Arsenal picked an international break for a rest). We are disappointed he isn’t with us because, on merit, he’d be picked and would play. But injuries occur.

“It would have been nice if he was here, but he isn’t. We concentrate on those who are here and I think we’ve got a lot of very good players in midfield and we’ll play with them. Club managers have got another job to do. That conflict is always going to be there, between club and national team, because people will want them to be there playing for them. But I don’t have any criticisms of them,” he added.