England turn to Jack Wilshere as boss Gareth Southgate looks to inject creativity into side for World Cup

  • Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is being lined up for a surprise World Cup call
  • Gareth Southgate is trying to solve England's lack of midfield creativity
  • The Three Lions boss says he's in 'no position' to rule out a creative player
  • Wilshere is yet to play a minute of Premier League football so far this season 

Jack Wilshere is being lined up for a surprise World Cup call as Gareth Southgate tries to solve England's lack of midfield creativity. 

Southgate believes Wilshere can still be a central figure for England in Russia next summer.

Although Wilshere has not featured in a national squad since last November, there is a feeling he could be the man to add imagination to an England midfield that is causing Southgate concern. 

Jack Wilshere is being lined up for a World Cup call as Gareth Southgate look to add creativity

Jack Wilshere is being lined up for a World Cup call as Gareth Southgate look to add creativity

Jack Wilshere is being lined up for a World Cup call as Gareth Southgate look to add creativity

Wilshere has been on the fringes of the Arsenal setup so far this season 

Southgate believes Wilshere can still be a central figure for England in Russia next summer

Southgate believes Wilshere can still be a central figure for England in Russia next summer

With qualification for Russia 2018 booked following Thursday's narrow win over Slovenia, the manager will now start fine-tuning his plans.


Southgate has expressed concerns about his team's lack of creativity, particularly in midfield.

England's established axis of Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier — two holding midfielders — has been criticised for lacking invention.

When asked directly whether Wilshere has an international future, Southgate said: 'We're in a position where there's no way we would dismiss any creative player. But people have to be playing and have to be playing at a good level.' 

There is a feeling Wilshere could be the man to add imagination to an England midfield

There is a feeling Wilshere could be the man to add imagination to an England midfield

Wilshere has not featured in an England squad since November's games against Scotland and Spain. 

But despite the fact he has not played a minute of Premier League football this season, Sportsmail understands the 25-year-old was strongly considered for the last two World Cup qualifiers.

Wilshere has played three times for Arsenal since his return from a loan spell at Bournemouth last season; twice in the Europa League and once in the Carabao Cup. So the amount of football Wilshere plays between now and next summer will dictate whether Southgate feels he can rely on the midfielder.

Southgate is also keeping tabs on Watford's Nathaniel Chalobah as he returns from a fractured knee cap. The midfielder was handed his first senior call-up earlier this season after Southgate identified the 22-year-old as someone who could add mobility and vision.

Jack Butland is expected to be one of a  number of changes to the team against Lithuania

Jack Butland is expected to be one of a  number of changes to the team against Lithuania

Now the FA are receiving regular updates regarding Chalobah's progress and Southgate hopes to have him available in Russia.

It remains likely Southgate will select a permanent captain in time for the World Cup, with Harry Kane the favourite.

In addition to the Tottenham striker, Jordan Henderson, Joe Hart and Gary Cahill have all been skipper under Southgate. But the race to be permanent captain is now down to a two-horse race with Henderson rivalling Kane.

It remains to be seen whether Kane leads the team out in Vilnius on Sunday as England play their final World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

Southgate is set to make a number of changes to the team that faced Slovenia with Jack Butland, Michael Keane, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Jesse Lingard and Jermain Defoe vying for starts.

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.