Barcelona could be exposed, as Wilshere and Arsenal demonstrated in a 2-1 victory at the Emirates in 2011. “Looking back at both our goals – especially the second goal [by Andrei Arshavin] – Barcelona like to press straight away when they lose the ball. If you can beat that first press and get out with quick football like they do then you’ve a chance. I don’t think we are as far behind as people think we are.” As for England, Wilshere believes they have improved since the World Cup. “That was a big ask for young players, myself, Henderson, when we lose players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard who’ve been a big part of the national team for 10 years. There was a bit of pressure there. We showed people what we can do.”