A lack of playing time is the only thing preventing Jack Wilshere from making a return to the international fold, according to England manager Gareth Southgate.
The Arsenal midfielder has impressed in recent weeks with Arsene Wenger granting the 25-year-old opportunities to shine in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
Wilshere has thus far been unable, however, to force his way into his manager’s Premier League line-up and has managed just 13 minutes of top flight action so far this season.
Despite not picking Wilshere for Arsenal’s biggest matches, Wenger implored Southgate to choose the player who was loaned out to Bournemouth last season ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Germany, an invitation that ultimately fell on deaf ears.
‘He is a top player. For him, it’s just game time,’ explained Southgate.
While Wilshere’s credentials were ignored, there was better news for Chelsea youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham who earned their first call-ups having impressed on loan at Crystal Palace and Swansea, respectively this season.
‘We’re in a position now where we’ve qualified for the World Cup and we always wanted to look at the team and how we want it to evolve,’ added Southgate.
‘This is an opportunity to look at new players and a different way of playing and I think the beauty of my position is that I know the young players in the system.
‘These lads are players who, right through the age groups, have been recognised as being our best players and they’re all playing well with their clubs and having a good impact.
‘This is a great opportunity to see if they can fit into the senior team and they’ve got the chance to stay there if they do well.’
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