Hodgson confident Wilshere will bounce back

The Arsenal midfielder has made the headlines in recent weeks, but the England coach says the 21-year-old has been unaffected and will be a valuable player for the Three Lions

England manager Roy Hodgson has backed Jack Wilshere to respond on the pitch after making headlines off the field in recent weeks.

The Arsenal midfielder was criticised after being pictured outside a nightclub smoking, before sparking further controversy by suggesting only English players should represent England.

However, Hodgson is not concerned about Wilshere's frame of mind going into Friday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Montenegro, despite the "furore" surrounding the 21-year-old.

"It hasn't affected Jack," Hodgson said. "I think he just shrugs it off.

"I think we expect so much from Jack and that can be a slight problem for him.

"When someone comes on to the scene with incredible talent you expect so much from them and every time they fall below those standards alarm bells start ringing.

"But he's put behind him the unfortunate furore over his quotes and it's not affected him one bit on the field.

"I think England will get a lot out of him in these next two games and for a long, long time to come."

England take on Montenegro at Wembley before hosting Poland on Tuesday with only two wins from their final qualification fixtures enough to guarantee their spot at Brazil 2014.