Arsene Wenger today claimed Jack Wilshere is ready for an England recall and has urged Gareth Southgate to select the midfielder for the forthcoming double-header against Germany and Brazil.
Wilshere has not made an international appearance since England’s exit from Euro 2016, when he came on as a half-time substitute in their last 16 defeat to Iceland.
The 25-year-old was called up once before by Southgate – exactly a year ago – but was an unused substitute and he fell from contention thereafter during a season-long loan at Bournemouth which ended in April with a broken leg sustained in a Premier League game at Tottenham.
Wilshere has been told he is fighting for his future at Arsenal as he enters the final year of his existing contract and has responded in impressive fashion, producing encouraging performances in three Europa League and two Carabao Cup games in addition to a League return as a substitute at Everton.
Southgate was in attendance at Emirates Stadium last Saturday for the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Swanea but Wilshere was an unused substitute. He names his latest squad tomorrow and Wenger said: “Personally, I think he’s ready. He was not three weeks ago but he is today. He’s ready. I have the same problem. He’s competitive. In every single competition, he’s ready to play. I would encourage him [Southgate] to do it.
“I can only repeat what I personally think: I don’t know how you can keep a super-fit Jack out of the England squad.”
Wilshere’s recovery has been closely monitored given his career has been blighted by injury to date but Wenger insists Southgate will not have to hold him back at all if selected.
Asked if Wilshere’s potential involvement with England requires careful management, Wenger told Standard Sport: “I manage him like every single players. Since three weeks, he is treated like any other player.”
