Jack Wilshere in England Under 21s squad, according to Arsene Wenger | Mail Online
Arsene Wenger has hit out at England for including Jack Wilshere in their 23-man squad for this summer's European Under 21 championships.
The Arsenal manager believes Stuart Pearce is putting Wilshere's long-term health at risk by selecting the 19-year-old, who has already played over 50 games for club and country this season.
'Jack Wilshere is in the red for a while now and this can be a risk for his health', Wenger said.
'He will respect the decision. He knows that he is nearly at the end of his energy level but he is keen to do well.
'He has played 50 games this year. To go to a tournament for me is a massive risk.
'I am happy if the Under 21s do well because I want England to do very well. I think it is not the right decision but will respect (it) and let him go.'
Despite Wenger's opposition, Wilshere's selection is no surprise, with Pearce having included him in his provisional 40-man squad earlier this month.
Fellow senior international Andy Carroll was also included but there was doubt over whether the Liverpool striker would take his place in the final 23.
That was due to be announced on Thursday but the confirmed final squad will now be held back until Monday after the final round of Barclays Premier League matches, and the same day as the senior squad is revealed for the European Championship qualifier against Switzerland on June 4.
Carroll has told Pearce he is not sure his body will be able to cope with the demands of the European Under 21 Championship after playing for Fabio Capello's senior squad against Switzerland next month.
Carroll, who has made just nine appearances since December because of thigh and knee problems, believes his body would benefit more from proper rest this summer rather than the demands of a tournament.
Reports suggest the 22-year-old had expressed concern over his fitness after enduring an injury-hit second half of the season, and questioned whether tournament football could do him more harm than good ahead of the new campaign.
Also, like Wenger, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has suggested he is not in favour of players being drafted back into the Under 21 fold after graduating to the senior set-up.
Pearce has been adamant that including the best players at his disposal is crucial not only to England's chances this summer but also to boosting the country's hopes of success at future World Cups and European Championships.
One player who has confirmed he did not make the final 23 is Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach.
His omission may spark speculation Fabio Capello is preparing to make him a permanent part of the senior set-up following Ben Foster's decision to make himself unavailable for selection.
Loach, who was twice promoted last year following a series of withdrawals, wrote on Twitter yesterday: 'Didn't make final 23..so no more 21s for me.
'Just an honour to have gained 14 caps for my country. Time to relax n have a few weeks off now.'
Both Wilshere and Carroll are expected to be named in the senior squad for the June 4 Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley meaning they would miss the under-21s' pre-tournament training camp.
England's Under 21 Championship campaign begins on June 12 and they will play three games in eight days, and five in 15 days if they reach the final.