Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that he 'would not be surprised' to see Jack Wilshere recalled to the England squad ahead of this summer's World Cup finals.
The 26-year-old was frozen out by Gareth Southgate during the successful qualifying campaign, last featuring for the Three Lions in the infamous 2-1 Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland.
Wilshere has forced his way back into the reckoning at club level, however, again showing his class in the Gunners' 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Wednesday night when opening the scoring at the Emirates Stadium.
On the back of an impressive run of form, Wenger has tipped the midfielder to win over Southgate ahead of Russia 2018.
"He's at the level now where not many people expected him to be," he told reporters. "When was the last time he played for England? Against Iceland he came on and since he has not played for England.
"I would say that that means everybody has given up on him. Today nobody would be surprised if he would be selected again. Instead of us being criticised for that I think first of all he deserves a great credit for remarkable strength and us as well."
Wilshere has now started six Premier League games for Arsenal this season, lasting the full 90 minutes in each of those outings since December 13.
Daniel Lewis
