Monday 8 June 2015 12:38, UK
Jack Wilshere believes England can take a number of positives from their goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
The friendly at the Aviva Stadium finished in stalemate to ensure England remain unbeaten since last year’s World Cup.
There was also another clean sheet for Roy Hodgson’s side who have conceded just once in their European Championship qualifying campaign so far.
“That’s what we have to take from today,” said Wilshere. “I don’t think we were at our best but again we didn’t lose and we kept a clean sheet.
“In international football that’s massive. If you can keep a clean sheet, with the players we’ve got going forward, we will create opportunities.”
The Arsenal midfielder also spoke of his pride at representing his country, especially in big games such as those against the other countries in the British Isles.
"It’s the same special feeling when you pull on the shirt for your country, especially in big games like this against tough opposition," he said.
Today we felt we could have done better but it was one of those games where we were always looking to next weekend. We want to be ready when that one comes.
"Today we felt we could have done better but it was one of those games where we were always looking to next weekend. We want to be ready when that one comes.
"It's the same against Scotland and Wales in the big games against the home nations. They want to have the bragging rights and they want to be the best in Britain.
"I felt Ireland were tough opposition. They were ready for it and we were ready for it and at the end of the day everyone’s happy with a draw."
The focus now turns to next weekend's European Qualifier away in Slovenia and Wilshere and his team-mates are keen to sign off for the summer with a win.
"I think that’s what we want, all the boys want to go away on their holidays and enjoy it, but before that we’ve got a big game," he added.
"We want to go off with a win, we want a good performance to keep the manager happy, keep the fans happy and keep our unbeaten run going."
