Jack: Gotta have faith... Gareth did

JACK WILSHERE is desperate to prove the doubters wrong and repay England boss Gareth Southgate’s faith in him.

The Arsenal midfielder didn’t start a Premier League game until mid-December after working his way back from a hairline ankle fracture sustained on loan at Bournemouth last season.

But, since then, he has flourished and shown signs that he is starting to get back to his best.

Southgate certainly feels that way having handed Wilshere (above, right) a recall for the friendlies against Holland and Italy.

And, providing he stays fit between now and June, the 26-year-old will go to this summer’s World Cup.

Wilshere said: “Every week, you have a point to prove — that’s the industry we’re in — and we’re at a level where we are judged week in, week out.

“I understand I haven’t played for England for a while, so people are going to be watching me, but I’m confident in my own ability and looking forward to it.

“It has been about proving my fitness to everyone. I don’t think people have ever questioned my ability... well, some have.

“But it’s about proving my fitness and I’m confident in myself and my body. Last year, I was really happy with the way things went.

“It was just that little impact injury and I was out, but I trust in my body and I’m looking forward to the future. The [England] manager made it clear what he wanted me to do and I’ve done that. So, I’m fit and healthy and feeling good, feeling stronger as games go on. I’m thankful to him and I have to repay him now.”

Another midfielder in whom Southgate has shown faith is Lewis Cook, the uncapped Bournemouth star, who has been called up to England for the second time.

Wilshere played with Cook at the Vitality Stadium and reckons the 21-year-old is ready for his chance at international level.

He said: “I’m delighted for Lewis — he was one of those who would give 100 per cent in training. The manager was patient, has given him his chance – and he has taken it.

“I see most of the Bournemouth games when I can and he always seems to give seven or eight out of 10 in his performances. And he has a few assists, which is important for a young player.

“Coming in, sometimes young players think, ‘Right, let’s get through this’, but he really steps up.

“He’s a tenacious box-to-box midfielder and one thing I noticed when I played against him this year, where he’d improved, was that he stayed on the ball for longer.

“He wanted to hold the ball and dribble. That, as a midfielder, is massive. When I play against a midfielder who holds it and goes into positions where I don’t want him to go, it’s difficult. I’m sure he’s going to look forward to it and it’s a chance for him too. “This is the last squad before the World Cup, so everyone gets a chance to

show what they can bring to it.”