Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Wilshere has proved worth to Southgate
JACK WILSHERE will be handed an England recall today – and the chance to stake his claim for a World Cup place.
Gareth Southgate names his squad for the friendlies with Holland and Italy and will bring back the Arsenal midfielder into the England set-up.
Wilshere, 26, who won the last of his 34 caps in the Euro 2016 disaster against Iceland, has done enough to prove his fitness and form to the England boss.
It will be a huge boost for Wilshere, who has been desperate to force his way back into England’s squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Southgate has been beset by injuries with Harry Kane ruled out of the f friendlies and that is likely to mean a c call-up for Everton’s Dominic CalvertLewin (left).
England have a also looked at
Bri Brighton’s veteran centre-forward Glenn Murray (below), 34, because the shortage of strikers is so chronic with Daniel Sturridge also out and fitness fears over Danny Welbeck.
Manchester United’s Ashley Young is expected to be in the squad after impressing Southgate with his recent form.
Burnley keeper Nick Pope is set to be called up alongside team-mate James Tarkowski, with Southgate worried about the keepers and centre-backs and the clock ticking ahead of Russia this summer.
The FA yesterday issued a statement to confirm they have no intention of pulling out of the World Cup d despite the growing dip diplomatic crisis with R Russia.
An FA spokesman said: “The FA will c continue to work clo closely with the UK Government and relevant authorities regarding our participation in this summer’s FIFA World Cup and the Women’s World Cup qualifier in June.
“Our priority for all England matches is to ensure the safety and security of the fans, players and staff. As is standard practice, we will take all travel guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.”
Ticket sales have been slow for England’s World Cup opener with Tunisia, but fears that fans will stay away have been eased by the fact the Belgium game is oversubscribed.
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