Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere assured of England future by Gareth Southgate after impressing for Arsenal since coming back from leg injury

  • Jack Wilshere made his first Premier League appearance for Arsenal on Sunday
  • He came on as a 77th minute substitute in Arsenal's 5-2 win over Everton
  • English midfielder Wilshere has impressed since coming back from injury 

Jack Wilshere has been assured of his England future by manager Gareth Southgate.

The midfielder made his first Premier League appearance for Arsenal in 14 months on Sunday, coming on as a 77th minute substitute in the 5-2 win at Everton.

Sportsmail revealed last month that Southgate, who was at Goodison Park on Sunday, is still counting on Wilshere ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has impressed this season since coming back from injury

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has impressed this season since coming back from injury

Wilshere’s performances so far this season have raised hopes that the midfielder is approaching the sort of form that saw him identified as one of England’s most promising players of a generation.


And Sportsmail understands Southgate has re-asserted his intention to draft Wilshere, who is set to start the Carabao Cup clash against Norwich on Tuesday night, back into his plans.

It remains to be seen whether Southgate will select Wilshere for next month’s friendlies against Germany and Brazil, particularly given the 25-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League this season.

But provided he plays enough this season, Wilshere has received encouragement that he will be part of Southgate’s plans for Russia 2018.

Meanwhile, Wilshere has revealed he has started his coaching badges.

Wilshere made his first Premier League appearance for Arsenal this season against Everton

Wilshere made his first Premier League appearance for Arsenal this season against Everton

Wilshere has completed his Football Association Level Two coaching qualification and is now doing his UEFA B badge.

‘Last year when I was at Bournemouth, because they’re not in Europe and didn’t have a midweek game, it seemed like an opportunity [to start on my badges],’ said Wilshere.

‘A few of the lads were talking about doing their Level Two [coaching badge] and I thought, I’m going to jump on it.

‘I really enjoyed it, while I’m fit and playing and healthy I might not need it, but even if I’ve got another ten years left in me I don’t want to be at the end of my career and maybe have a year out and be thinking, what do I want to do…and then have to go through Level Two, UEFA B, UEFA A.

‘I’m doing my UEFA B at the minute. Luckily I’ve got great facilities here at Arsenal, great players and the PFA and the FA have been great and really helpful. I’m going to complete that and then see what I want to do.