Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere admits injury fears dissuaded him from pushing for England U21 selection ahead of this summer's European Championships.
Wilshere insists that he was destined for an injury having played nearly 60 games in Arsenal's midfield this term.
"Missing the Under-21s is not just about the Euros. It is about me looking after myself," said Wilshere. "Over the last few weeks, I have been feeling tired and my GPS results have shown that.
"It shows I am heading for an injury and that is the last thing I want. Especially heading into the Euros. There are players like Steven Gerrard who have been injured while I have been playing and if I want to keep my place in the team I have to be 100 per cent.
"It didn't really sink in at first but the figures just kept going down, on a downward spiral. It scared me a bit and made me realise as much as I can keep going and going, there's a time when you're going to hit the wall. Maybe that was coming.
"It showed that I was heading for an injury and that is the last thing I want. I am 19 and with the Euros coming up, it was in everyone's best interests for me to rest. I think Stuart Pearce agreed with me. It was a bit awkward (with Pearce) but he was very understanding. He made it easy really.
"Over the last four games, after about 60 minutes, I started to feel a bit more tired than I would have done in January. It scared me a bit, made me realise as much as I can keep going and going, there's a time when you're going to hit the wall. Maybe that was coming.
"If I was in the squad, I would have gone. I love playing for England. Every time I get in a provisional squad now, I am buzzing. To put on an England shirt is a dream."
