Adaptable Wilshere makes encouraging start

He may not have done it exactly in the way that was anticipated but, on his first start for his country, Jack Wilshere still demonstrated just how adaptable he is during the first half of England's 2-1 friendly win over Denmark.

Following pre-match comments from coach Fabio Capello comparing him to, among other world stars, Claude Makelele, it was expected that the 19-year-old Arsenal star would be employed predominantly as a holding midfielder in Copenhagen.

Although Wilshere did have more defensive responsibilities than he is normally given by the Gunners, in many ways he operated as an orthodox midfielder during his 45 minutes on the pitch against the Danes.

And he did an extremely disciplined job. More than half of his 35 touches were in the Danish half - and he certainly did not function as an out-and-out anchorman.