Jack Wilshere: 'I want to captain Arsenal and England'

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has revealed that he has a burning ambition to be captain for club and country in the future.

Wilshere has become a key component for the Gunners and represented England on seven occasions at the age of 21.

Speaking at the launch of England's new home strip yesterday afternoon, Wilshere insisted that he wants the responsibility of stepping up to lead sides as his career progresses.

He told The Sun: "I want to captain Arsenal and I want to captain England. That definitely appeals to me. It's my ultimate dream. People say players are no longer bothered about wearing the England shirt.

"But for me it's the pinnacle of my job because club rivalries go out of the window and the entire nation comes together behind you, it's the best feeling.

"England have a fantastic captain in Steven Gerrard and I assume Wayne Rooney is the next in line. We've got a lot of big characters but if I was ever offered the chance to captain England it'd be the ultimate honour."

Wilshere has been ruled out of Roy Hodgson's squad for friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil next week in order to undergo ankle surgery.