Alan Smith impressed by Jack Wilshere for England

Former England striker Alan Smith has praised Jack Wilshere for his performances in the team's recent Euro 2016 qualifying wins over San Marino and Estonia.

The 22-year-old played in a deeper role during both games as the Three Lions maintained a 100% start to their campaign.

With the youngster having suffered a string of injury problems in the early part of his career, Smith believes that Wilshere is now benefiting from an improvement in his fitness.

"I thought Jack Wilshere was outstanding, man of the match (against Estonia)," he told Sky Sports News. "Having spoken to some of the England coaching staff, they're trying to get him to look beyond that 10 yards that he quite often plays in for Arsenal, where he's playing little one-twos and going past people.

"But he's raising his head now and looking for those runs of Wayne Rooney, and they're on the same wavelength so it's great for Rooney. For Wilshere, fitness helps and he's had a run of games for club of country. He's looking really sharp."

Wilshere and his Arsenal teammates return to Premier League action on Saturday when they entertain Hull City.