Jack Wilshere should use Europa League to win new Arsenal deal… and force his way into World Cup contention

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Back in action | Jack Wilshere
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Frank Lampard26 September 2017

The Europa League is a great opportunity for Jack Wilshere to show why he should get a new contract at Arsenal.

With the difficult schedule of Thursday-Sunday games, Arsene Wenger will rotate a lot more - and that should mean more appearances for Jack.

There have been positive signs already. He was very impressive as a substitute against Cologne, then against Doncaster last week, so he will surely play a part at Bate Borisov on Thursday.

Everyone knows his quality, he’s just had a very difficult time with injuries. There is nothing worse for a player mentally and physically to keep having these setbacks.

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People want to criticise him because he was the great hope for English football a few years ago.

But Jack is top class when he’s fully fit. When Arsenal played against Barcelona in 2011, he stood up to Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

He has that kind of confidence and arrogance on the ball which is what we have been crying out for in this country.

I have played with him for England and against him at Chelsea. He is sharp off the mark, twists and turns. He is a natural footballer who could make England’s World Cup squad next summer if he plays enough.

He is playing a bit of catch-up, but there are not many midfielders like him that can get the England team playing like he does.

Unfortunately, due to the injuries, he’s not had the chance to develop his game, because I believe there is more in there.

There is a lot of talk over Jack’s future, because he is out of contract at the end of the season.

I’m sure Arsenal would prefer to keep him, but they will want to see that he’s fit first. But, by doing that, Jack will be in a position of strength if he gets 100 per cent again.

There will be a lot of clubs willing to take the risk because they have seen what Jack can do in the past.

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