Fans have been quick to point out how hypocritical Gareth Southgate is after his recent comments about Jack Wilshere.
Southgate has said that while he rates Wilshere, the 25-year-old will first have to string a run of games together to prove that he’s fit enough to play for England before he’s picked for the squad.
“Everyone knows the quality Jack has,” said Southgate.
“But he’s got to be playing regularly. He has the quality to play at highest level.”
This is fair enough and while I’d like to see Wilshere called up for the Three Lions again soon, his injury-proneness could make him a risk.
However, Southgate called up Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who signed for Liverpool at the end of the transfer window.
Since joining Jurgen Klopp’s team, the Ox has played for only 72 minutes over four Premier League appearances. He’s started just once for his new club and that was in the League Cup against Leicester. The 24-year-old was then blasted by Liverpool fans for his terrible performance.
Meanwhile, Wilshere has made three appearances for Arsenal and while none of these have been in the league yet, he’s impressed on all occasions. The midfielder also got a superb assist in the Europa League.
Southgate is presumably talking about injury history, suggesting that Wilshere’s is worse. However, the Ox is hardly fit as a fiddle all season long, is he?
At the moment, Wilshere is the type of player who can give England that cutting edge. The Ox obviously isn’t and fans have been quick to point out the manager’s hypocrisy.
https://twitter.com/JamieSmiff/status/916674591770271745
So does this not apply to Ox or Lingard then
— Luke (@luke_parnell7) October 7, 2017
*starts Oxlade-Chamberlain right wing
— J Alex (@JordanAlexMoss) October 7, 2017
That doesn’t apply for Oxlade-Chmaberlain though does it?
— P² (@LividLacazette) October 7, 2017
That doesn’t apply for Oxlade-Chmaberlain though does it?
— P² (@LividLacazette) October 7, 2017
Someone ask him how Ox and Lingaard get called up then?
— Scotty Mase (@Scott23Mason) October 7, 2017
Southgate says wilshere needs to be playing regularly oh what like delph ox sturridge winks shall i go on come back stevie mac!
— alan davies (@alanpinhead) October 7, 2017
Jack does play regularly. The Ox on the other had, doesn't and he gets a start! Southgate is useless! https://t.co/ITW0UDlu3a
— Steph ⚽️ (@stephpgold) October 7, 2017
Exactly why Southgate shouldn’t be in charge, one rule for one is it? Ox, Lingard?
— Lee Tatum (@LeeTatum89) October 7, 2017
Playing regularly like the ox…
— John Walker (@johnwalker_1986) October 7, 2017