Skip to content

Jack Wilshere should be in England squad, says Arsene Wenger

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere has done enough to earn a recall into Gareth Southgate's England squad

Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere should be included in Gareth Southgate's upcoming England squad after returning to full fitness with the Gunners.

Wilshere has now recovered from the broken leg he suffered while on loan at Bournemouth last season and has been largely utilised in the cup competitions with Arsenal this year as he continues to work his way back into Wenger's plans.

The 25-year-old impressed during the 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade earlier this month and Wenger has urged Southgate to include Wilshere in his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil later this month.

England manager Gareth Southgate after the final whistle during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Group F match at Wembley Stadium, London.
Image: Gareth Southgate names his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil on Thursday

"Personally I think he is ready," said Wenger. "He was not three weeks ago but he is today. I have the same problem [as Southgate], he is competitive for me as well.

"In every competition he is ready to play. I would encourage him to do it.

"I personally think that with a super-fit Jack - I don't know how you can keep him out of the English squad."

Arsene Wenger during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2017 in London, England
Image: Wenger insists Wilshere is back to full fitness

Wilshere is likely to start the reverse fixture against Red Star at the Emirates on Thursday night and Wenger insists the midfielder is now back to his best.

Also See:

When asked if Wilshere needed to be treated differently to other players due to his history of injuries, Wenger replied: "No. I manage him at the moment like every other player.

"For the last three weeks he has been treated completely like any other player."

Jack Wilshere challenges Slavoljub Srnic
Image: Wilshere is expected to start Thursday night's Europa League game against Red Star Belgrade

Wenger also confirmed he would look to rotate his squad against Red Star, with one eye on Sunday's match against Premier League leaders Manchester City.

"I've gone with a rotation policy and I'm pleased with that at the moment," he said. "I must say I am pleased with the quality of our performances in every single competition."

Around Sky