Fabio wants us to play like Barcelona, says Wilshere

They're feted feted as the world’s No.1 team, so England can only learn from their dazzling example.

And after Jack Wilshere played a major role in guiding England to victory in Wales, he revealed that coach Fabio Capello is trying to turn the national team into Barcelona.

Capello ordered his players to study videos of the Spanish champions before Saturday’s Euro 2012 qualifying clash and model their game on Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Co.

Wilshere, 19, says Capello was anxious to copy the Spanish club’s pressing style and the team watched a rerun of Barcelona’s win over Arsenal in the Champions League.

The Gunners midfielder said: “We watched some videos of Barcelona and the way they pressed their opponents. We tried to do it like them against Wales.

“We pressed high and the idea was to get some early goals – and we got them.

“That made it comfortable for ourselves. Barcelona are the best in the world at pressing other teams and we have to learn from teams like that.

“At my age I am always learning and I can learn from players like that.”

The revelation shows that Capello is trying to play a more attacking and entertaining game after introducing Barca’s style into his tactics.

Wilshere’s impressive outing at the Millennium Stadium won praise from team-mates – and a rare tribute from Capello.

Frank Lampard said: “Jack has shown what he can do with Arsenal and England now. It was nice to play with an extra body in there, to get a bit more possession with a bit of insurance behind you.”

Capello is ready to build his team around Wilshere, who had played less than an hour in two friendlies for England before Saturday, but has impressed the Italian by establishing himself for Arsenal this season.

Capello said: “His performances this season have been incredible. He has improved an amazing amount in a short space of time.

“Arsene Wenger said the same thing. Here, he played like someone of 29 with 40 caps. I hope there is more to come. Good players are always improving.”

Wilshere felt even more comfortable with Capello ditching the rigid 4-4-2 formation that was criticised during the dismal 2010 World Cup campaign in favour of 4-3-3.

“The midfield shape worked well,” Wilshere said. “We play it at Arsenal and it works better with one holding and two going forward.

“Scotty (Parker) was great and so was Frank in there. It made it easy for me to play.”

Wilshere was instrumental in England’s victory in Cardiff and the teenager has already become a central figure in Capello’s first XI.

But he is also at the centre of a potential club versus country row, also involving Liverpool striker Andy Carroll and Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker.

All three have been in the senior squad, are set to play in the Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland on June 4 – but are then likely to be called up for the under-21s tournament in Denmark.

Capello has already backed under-21 boss Stuart Pearce’s determination to call up the three players even if it means upsetting their clubs.

Arsenal boss Wenger claimed that the same scenario contributed to his winger Theo Walcott having a catalogue of injuries last season.

Wilshere has already said he is ready to play for the under-21s, but warned that the decision will be left to the respective managers.

Wilshere added: “This is international football and I want to play in any game.

“It’s up to Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello.

“They will talk and see what’s best for me. I always speak to the manager at Arsenal and I will do so again.

“I am sure Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello will talk to him as well.

“At my age – I am 19 and still trying to improve every day. I have still got a lot to learn and I want to work hard for my club and bring it to international level.”

England and Arsenal on collision course over Wilshere  

Wales 0-2 England: Daily Mirror match report  

Wales 0-2 England: Daily Mirror player ratings

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