Jack Wilshere will make his first competitive appearance for England in today's 2012 European Championship qualifier at Wales, who have to do without their own gifted youngster Gareth Bale.

Impressive displays for Arsenal against Barcelona in the Champions League convinced coach Fabio Capello to deploy the 19-year-old Wilshere against England's cross-border rivals in Cardiff.

“He is a young player who has improved a lot in a short time,” Capello said Friday. “He is playing like a player who has played a lot of games, like a 28 or 29-year-old. He plays the game fantastically with personality and without fear.

“It's not easy to find players like him who play without fear in places like the Nou Camp. I spoke with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and he told me he was also surprised by how he had improved so much in so short a time.”

Wilshere has only previously featured for England in friendlies against Hungary and Denmark this season.

Capello will be looking for the energetic Wilshere to provide the creativity that will allow England to take control of midfield at the Millennium Stadium. The unanswered question from Capello is whether Wilshere starts centrally alongside Frank Lampard or whether Gareth Barry or Scott Parker will make the starting XI.

Bale's absence with hamstring problems removes the most potent Welsh threat. With England not having to worry about stopping the 21-year-old winger — described by Capello as “the No. 1 player in the world” — its midfield should be able to push forward in a more adventurous manner.

“I prepared something about him because they are really dangerous when he plays,” Capello said. “I am lucky now because I am never lucky when some of my players are injured.”

England are second in Group B after a draw in October with leaders Montenegro, who are three points ahead after playing an extra match.

But Wales have lost all three qualifiers so far and hasn't beaten England in 27 years — losing both qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup in their only meetings since 1984.

In Gary Speed, Wales have one of the least experienced men in charge of an international team. After just 18 matches at Sheffield United — his first managerial job — Speed was lured to Wales in December to replace John Toshack.

Speed has chosen a relative novice as captain: Wilshere's 20-year-old Arsenal teammate Aaron Ramsey, who hasn't played for Wales since November 2009 due to injuries.

“Some people are going to disagree with the decision,” Ramsey said. “It's come at such a young age ... I'm not a screamer and shouter but I'm not going to change the way I am.”

While Wales have their youngest-ever captain, England's armband has returned to Terry.

In a bold move last February, Capello stripped Terry of the captaincy after being presented with newspaper allegations that he had an affair with teammate Wayne Bridge's former girlfriend.