Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Liverpool's Andy Carroll left out of England Under-21 squad
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Liverpool's Andy Carroll have been left out of Stuart Pearce's England Under-21s squad for the Uefa Under-21 Championship finals in Denmark next month, the FA have confirmed.
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Workhorse: Wilshere played 49 games for Arsenal this season and three times for England Photo: GETTY IMAGES
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Making the jump: Andy Carroll has also established himself at senior level, scoring against Ghana in the second of two appearances in England friendlies Photo: Reuters
By Telegraph staff and agencies 4:40PM BST 23 May 2011
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Coach Stuart Pearce had hoped to include the senior internationals at this summer's tournament, and named both in a provisional 40-man squad.
But Wilshere's inclusion in particular has become contentious, with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger describing his selection as a "massive risk" given the amount of football he has played this season.
Wilshere himself always maintained he was keen to play, but the player has apparently been convinced by Wenger's arguments: "I spoke to Jack last week and he explained that while he told me in March that he wanted to be part of the squad, he now feels he is not in the best condition to take part in the finals.
"That is based on the number of games he has played for Arsenal this season, sports science data which Jack was presented with last week and concerns he has for his fitness looking ahead to next season.
"Jack has always expressed his enjoyment at being involved with the under-21 squad, and while I am disappointed not to have him with us for the finals I've accepted the situation."
He added: "I am very conscious of the importance of looking after all our players, and that is why I have frequent conversations with club managers throughout the season.
"I believe that representing your country in international development tournaments can be a great advantage to players, and increases the chances of being successful at senior level."
There was always some doubt over the participation of Carroll, whose position on being drafted back into the under-21s after making his senior debut was unclear.
He also reportedly expressed concern this summer's tournament could do him more harm than good after an injury-hit second half of the season and Pearce today had simply one line to say about the 22-year-old: "Andy has been ruled out through injury."
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