JACK TO THE FUTURE

England boss ready to throw ‘better than ever’ Wilshere a World Cup lifeline and is happy to have a selection headache

GARETH SOUTHGATE is prepared to give Jack Wilshere an England recall for the World Cup.

Southgate snubbed the 26-year-old midfielder last year after his long-running injury problems and struggles to get into the Arsenal starting XI.

But the England boss (right) admitted he has been hugely impressed with Wilshere’s recent form and could pick him for the friendlies against Holland and Italy in March.

That opens the door for Wilshere to go to Russia next summer, a remarkable turnaround for a man who began to wonder whether he would ever get back into the international set-up.

Southgate, talking at the UEFA Nations League draw in Switzerland, said: “It’s a real plus to see Jack playing at the level he is and looking as fit as he is. “We know his quality, but for him to be starting two games a week, playing at a high level, is a real bonus for us. “I have got to say his level of performance is way above what it had been. He’s really playing well and influencing big games now. “People talk about selection headaches, but we want those sorts of decisions. He is a really good lad to have in the group, too. “That’s important, but also he is showing sharpness in his game. Positionally he’s in better areas of the pitch. Any player overcoming injury setbacks of the level that he’s had to, they’ve got to have resilience. “There’s no question he’s shown that. We are all hopeful that he can keep showing that and keep playing.” But there are more worries about England’s goalkeeping position. Joe Hart has lost his place at West Ham, Fraser Forster is out of favour at Southampton, Burnley’s Tom Heaton is injured, while Stoke’s Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford of Everton have had dips in form this season. Southgate said: “It’s not ideal. There’s no hiding from that. No Tom Heaton – injured. Fraser and Joe not in their teams regularly. “That’s a situation we are just going to have to monitor. I am going to Wigan v West Ham at the weekend and I imagine I would see Joe. I have seen Butland and Pickford in the last few weeks.”

Southgate admits his first thought now is the World Cup this summer, but the UEFA Nations League is an initiative that he welcomes.

England have been drawn in Group 4 of League A, along with Spain and Croatia.

There are two rounds of UEFA Nations League games in September and November, finals with a trophy to be won next June, in addition to Euro 2020 qualifiers starting in March 2019.

Southgate added: “Everyone is still getting their heads around the concept and we can focus on it more after the World Cup.

“But we like the idea of fewer international friendlies.”