Wenger: 'England Has A Competitive Future'

Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic by three goals to nil last night and the scoreline could have been far greater had it not been for Chris Kirkland's consistent shot-stopping throughout the 90.

Fabio Capello and Franco Baldini were in the stands watching on and would have noted Kirkland shrugging off a shoulder injury to carry on guarding goal, but the pair would have been far more impressed with the way Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has safeguarded the future of English football.

Jay Simpson ran the channels in commendable fashion and took advantage of the neat service he was provided by scoring twice.

Kieran Gibbs overlapped well from the left back berth, and should he work on his defensive discipline could turn into the next Ashey Cole, but his current level of ability could see him utilised more like Armand Traore, currently at Portsmouth.

Jack Wilshere looks to be the golden boy of this class. His passing is inspired; he is comfortable and more importantly strong on the ball, he has fine balance and can dribble forward as well as starting play. He is not averse to having a shot on target either, and has scored numerous goals for the reserves, the under 18s, in pre-season, and also against Sheffield United in the previous round of the Carling Cup.

Speaking to the club's official website, Wenger made notes on the English contribution to his blossoming youth project.

"I believe, on the players you have seen tonight, England has a competitive future," he insisted.

"You have Gavin Hoyte, who for me had an outstanding game, Gibbs, Mark Randall, Wilshere – all four are top class. Also there is Jay Simpson, Henri Lansbury, Emmanuel Frimpong and Abu Ogogo. Some are in the national team [relative to their age] as well," he said.

"Jay had an excellent pre-season with me and after that he didn’t play because of the competition we have up front; he didn’t get the games but tonight he has shown the character and physical strength he has.

"Last year he was Player of the Year when we sent him out to Millwall on loan," the Frenchman added.

"I like Kieran Gibbs," he continued.

"He is a player who can go up and down and he has an unbelievable physique. Gibbs was first a midfielder and he has a future. I gave Armand Traore out on loan because I had Gibbs, and I also have Silvestre who can play there [left back] if needed."