England midfielder Jack Wilshere names ex-skipper David Beckham as his childhood hero
And his best memory is of Becks cracking home sensational free kick against Greece to win England World Cup finals spot
JACK WILSHIRE has named David Beckham as his boyhood hero.
And the Arsenal midfielder’s favourite memory growing up is that of Becks striking the sensational last ditch free kick at Old Trafford against Greece that sealed England’s place in the 2002 World Cup finals.
The Manchester United star scored many a memorable goal in his glittering career, but the one he struck 15 years ago at his home ground probably topped the lot.
Wilshere certainly thinks so.
“Growing up my England hero was David Beckham,” said Wilshere. “He was England captain and every time I watched him he gave 100 per cent.
“My favourite England memory as a kid was the World Cup qualifier against Greece. Beckham ran the game when we were struggling. We really needed a goal to qualify and he came up with that free kick.”
Wilshere suffered another injury-hit season with Arsenal last term but recovered from a broken leg in time to win a place in the England squad at the Euros – something he says he doesn’t take for granted.
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“Playing for England means everything to me,” he told FFT.com. “When you grow up you want to play for your country and you dream of playing for your country in major tournaments.
“When you’re in the changing room and you put on the Three Lions it’s the best feeling. Then you line up and hear the national anthem before a game and it’s a special moment. You can feel the crowd behind you."
Wilshere replaced Wayne Rooney in the second half of England’s 1-1 draw with Russia in their opening Group B game on Saturday.
He hopes to have done enough to earn a place in the starting line-up for Thursday’s crunch clash with Wales, who top the group after beating Slovakia 1-0.
Wilshire missed virtually all of last season after sustaining a broken leg.
He added: “When I first got my injury, in the back of my mind I thought ‘I want to be ready for the Euros.
“I have been to a tournament with England and it was very disappointing. This time I wanted to come back and make a difference.
“I played a few games for Arsenal’s Under-21s but I knew what it would take to get back to this level.”