Having discovered that he was not among the 23 players Gareth Southgate would be taking to Russia for the World Cup this summer, Arsenal's Jack Wilshere appeared to be dealing well enough with the situation.
Posting humourous messages on his social media accounts, Wilshere, unlike another English compatriot not going to Russia, Joe Hart, dealt with it admirably.
However, with Southgate offering a subsequent rationale for his exclusion of Wilshere, the man whose contract at Arsenal runs out in the coming weeks, offered a more barbed response.
Think its about time I had my say...
It goes without saying that I’m naturally incredibly disappointed to have been left out of the England squad for the World Cup. I’ve felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad!— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) May 17, 2018
And given the chance i could have made a real inpact.
However, I have to respect the manager’s decision and would like to wish the whole squad all the very best for the tournament. I will always be an England fan and will be supporting the boys with the rest of the nation 🦁🦁🦁— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) May 17, 2018
Contrary to Southgate's claims, Wilshere suggests that he was feeling "fit, sharp and strong" all season, and should have been included in the World Cup squad.
Having played more games for Arsenal this season than he has since 2010/11, there appears to be a grain of truth to Wilshere's response.
Although he conceded that he does "respect the manager's decision ... [and] will be supporting the boys with the rest of the nation," the predicament surrounding Southgate's explanation would appear to rest on the idea that if not now for Wilshere, his chance appears unlikely to ever come.
