Stuart Pearce blasts Arsene Wenger after including Jack Wilshere in U21 squad

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Pearce yesterday risked the wrath of Arsenal boss Wenger by picking Jack Wilshere in his provisional squad for this summer's European Under-21 Championship.

Wenger has been vocally opposed to Wilshere's inclusion, claiming he should now be considered a senior international amid fears the 19-year-old could suffer burnout.

Pearce insisted Wilshere's involvement was in the best interests of both the player and the country.

He revealed he would speak to Wenger to state his case for picking the midfielder but was adamant he would not be swayed by any counter-argument.

Pearce, who took charge of the under-21s in 2007, said: "Over a four-year period, I have only ever heard Arsene Wenger's name mentioned in respect to this.

"Two years ago, I had the same conversation about Theo Walcott and 'Did he need to go an Under-21 tournament?'

"The proviso was then that there was a World Cup coming up in South Africa and he would be burnt out. Then Theo didn't make the squad for South Africa."

He added: "We talk about burnout and I have to bring my own experiences as a player to the fore.

"By the time I was 21, I had played 250 non-League games. I then played until I was 40. I played a full set of internationals. I probably played 1,000 matches in my career.

"What I can tell these young players or senior ones is: play football - it says it in your contract. That's your job title, that's what everybody knows you for.

"The beauty I have with Wilshere is that he loves football. He reminds me of (Paul) Gascoigne."