Roy Hodgson has strongly hinted that he will not use Jack Wilshere for the full duration of England's friendly with Scotland at Wembley on Wednesday night.
The Arsenal midfielder's last two years have been blighted by ankle and knee injuries and he has only featured once during Hodgson's reign as Three Lions boss - in the 2-1 win over Brazil in February.
He has not completed 90 minutes during any of the Gunners' pre-season matches, and while Hodgson is excited to have Wilshere back in his squad, he will follow Arsene Wenger's model of protecting the 21-year-old's fitness.
"I have not had the benefit of Jack Wilshere for a qualifying match or an important match so we are pleased to have him back," Hodgson told reporters.
"We are aware of the fact that Arsene [Wenger] is careful with him at Arsenal and I will be careful with him as well. We are spoilt for choice in that we have enormous riches in the central midfield area.
"I was very pleased with Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard in the Brazil and Ireland fixtures and I am delighted with Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere, and that is just naming four. We have others who can compete as well."
You can read Sports Mole's preview of England's first clash with their old enemy in 14 years, here.
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