GET FIT OR JACK IT IN

GARETH SOUTHGATE has challenged Jack Wilshere to prove he’s fit for purpose as a modern midfielder — and has closed the door on any return for veteran Michael Carrick.

Wilshere (left), 25, has not played for his country since the Euro 2016 exit against Iceland, and ended a year-long loan at Bournemouth with a broken leg.

Southgate has warned the Arsenal man that he needs midfielders who can combine power, pace and poise, after seeing Paul Pogba shining for France.

The England boss said: “Jack has got to get up to full fitness. We saw against France the pace and athleticism of the opposition. That is top-level football now — you have to be athletic, you have got to have power in your team, and speed.”

Manchester United midfielder Carrick, 35, has just signed a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford and is still rated as one of the nation’s best passers.

But Southgate said: “Michael is a super player — I really like him. But how will we ever develop as a team if we head back that way?

“He has some qualities that we don’t currently have, but I think we have to look forward and look at how we develop players so that they are able to do the things Michael has been able to do.”