Jack Wilshere will lead Luton Town against Stockport County in the EFL Trophy final at Wembley, marking a proud moment for the club that has endured a turbulent journey since their last appearance at the national stadium in 2012. Wilshere, who won FA Cups with Arsenal, views Sunday's match as crucial for building confidence during Luton's quest to return to the Championship following back-to-back relegations from the Premier League.

Luton enters the match 10th in League One, three points behind the play-off spots, having beaten Stockport 3-0 in November and drawn 1-1 three weeks earlier. Stockport manager Dave Challinor seeks to write himself into the club's history books as they pursue their first EFL Trophy triumph, having fallen in the final twice before in 1992 and 1993. The County boss would also be looking to atone for last season's penalty shootout defeat in the League Two play-off final.

Despite their contrasting career stages, Wilshere and Challinor share a professional connection having completed their coaching qualifications together. Challinor acknowledges the quality within Luton's squad but remains confident his team can overcome the likely 30,000-plus Luton supporters at Wembley, with both managers emphasizing the significance of handling the occasion rather than previous results determining the outcome.