Rio Ferdinand says there was no argument for Jack Wilshere to go to this summer’s World Cup – and believes his inclusion could have destabilised the England squad.
Gareth Southgate opted against naming the Arsenal ace in his 23-man squad, instead selecting Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Fabien Delph, Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for midfield.
Speaking at Betfair’s Road to Russia event, Ferdinand explained that Wilshere has simply not performed at the same level as the likes of Dele Alli and Lingard this season and has scored nowhere near enough goals.
“I didn’t disagree with the midfield choices that he took. I just think that he can count on all the others physically. And I think the others, if you’re going to play Wilshere in an attacking midfield role, he doesn’t add up to someone like Dele, he doesn’t add up to someone like Jesse, in terms of getting goals, or making things happen in the final third, assists – his stats can’t live with them type of guys,” Rio told Mirror Football.