The Brazil-born Croatian marksman set up the second goal in the 3-2 win for Slaven Bilic's men which led to the sacking of beleaguered national-team boss Steve McClaren.

Wenger does not, however, believe that will lead to abuse from the terraces towards Eduardo, despite his key role in England's downfall earlier this week.

"Eduardo played his game on Wednesday. You can't expect Israel to play 100% against Russia, and Croatia to make it easy for you. I think English people will understand," Wenger told www.arsenal.com.

"He now knows he will go to Euro 2008. He is now a player who counts in Europe. He is at a big club so that should boost his confidence."

The abject failure of England to qualify for a major tournament for the first time in 14 years has led to much debate over just why some of the Premier League's top stars again could not deliver for their country.

Frenchman Wenger may have already ruled himself out of the running to succeed McClaren, but he is happy to give Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick his thoughts should they, as expected, be sought during the consultation process - despite the fact has often been criticised for not having enough homegrown talent in his side, which currently tops the table going into Saturday's game against struggling Wigan at Emirates Stadium.

Eduardo, 24, has a fine strike rate for his adopted country, including one against England during their 2-0 defeat in Zagreb last October.

However, the forward has yet to find top gear in an Arsenal shirt, with just four goals to date, and none in the Premier League.

Wenger, though, has faith his summer signing from Dinamo Zagreb will be firing on all cylinders soon enough.

"I said he would have to adapt to the Premier League. That will come," reflected the Arsenal boss.

"We have said we have to be patient, but it will come for Eduardo.

"He has a good attitude and works hard, but he has to adapt physically. He is perhaps a quieter person, so perhaps it takes him longer."

Wenger feels the Brazilian-born hitman could turn out to be Arsenal's "secret weapon" during the latter stages of the campaign.

"Yes, that is what I am thinking," Wenger reflected. "I am keeping my confidence [in him] for the second part of the season.

"I see him as a striker, although he can play wide as well, but I do see him as a central striker."

Wenger is facing something of a selection dilemma in midfield on Saturday, when his side will look to maintain their slender advantage over champions Manchester United and to make it 28 consecutive matches without defeat.

Cesc Fabregas is suspended, his central partner Mathieu Flamini picked up a thigh strain while away with France and Belarus winger Alex Hleb could be out for the best part of a month because of a hamstring problem.

Abou Diaby is also struggling with a back injury and experienced Brazilian Gilberto faces a long return trip from South America, so is expected to be given time to recover.

Youngsters Denilson and Lassana Diarra are ready to fill the gaps against Wigan, who have slipped into the bottom three and will not have new manager Steve Bruce in place until Monday.

Wenger is expecting whatever side he fields tomorrow to be totally focussed on the job in hand.

He said: "For us it is a big game because it's straight after the international break when all of our players were away.

"I am happy we play at home, but I am conscious as well of Wigan because now they need points and you want all your players to be highly focused and conscious.

"You want to fight for it because that is what is needed."

Wenger added: "A quality of a big team is that people expect you to win and to perform when people expect you to. Performing like that is part of being at the top level."