World Cup

Arsene Wenger: 'Jack Wilshere can have great World Cup'

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 08 March 2014

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tips midfielder Jack Wilshere to return to fitness in time to play a starring role for England at this summer's World Cup.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has tipped Jack Wilshere to return to fitness in time to play a starring role for England at this summer's World Cup.

The 22-year-old faces six months on the sidelines after picking up a hairline fracture in his left foot during Wednesday's 1-0 friendly win over Denmark.

However, with 98 days to go until the Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign with a Group D clash against Italy, Wenger is confident that his midfield star will be available for what would be his first international tournament.

"When you go to a tournament like that, you have to be 100% fit. I am confident Jack will be because the timescale is all right," Wenger told reporters.

"He can have a great World Cup if all works well. If you look at the number of weeks until the end of the season, then you have still six weeks before the start of the World Cup.

"He will be fully fit to play [for Arsenal] and then you still have preparation games [for England)]."

Wilshere did not feature at Euro 2012 because of an ankle injury.