Arsenal star Jack Wilshere: I believe I should have been in England squad and could have made an impact

England blow | Wilshere was not part of Southgate's squad
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge22 May 2018

Jack Wilshere says he believes he should have been in the England squad and “could have made a real impact” in Russia.

The Arsenal midfielder was not included in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man World Cup party nor the standby list, having not made an international appearance since Euro 2016 and withdrawn from the friendly double-header against Netherlands and Italy with a knee injury.

Speaking on Thursday the England manager did not pull any punches in his assessment on Wilshere, saying “he was not as effective towards the end of the season”.

Wilshere has kept his counsel since news of his missing out first broke on Tuesday but in a series of tweets made clear his belief that Southgate had made the wrong decision.

“[I] think it’s about time I had my say...,” he said.

“It goes without saying that I'm naturally incredibly disappointed to have been left out of the England squad for the World Cup. I've felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad!

“And given the chance I could have made a real impact.

“However, I have to respect the manager's decision and would like to wish the whole squad all the very best for the tournament. I will always be an England fan and will be supporting the boys with the rest of the nation.”

The 26-year-old, who made 38 appearances but just 12 Premier League starts for Arsenal this season, was overlooked in favour of Fabian Delph, another who had not previously been involved in Southgate's setup. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier round out England's options in central midfield.

Wilshere was not the only big name absentee from Southgate’s squad, which also saw Joe Hart dropped after a disappointing season with West Ham.

The England manager said of the pair: “[Joe] has been a big part of England teams over the years, a valued member of the squad, but of course in the end I’ve got to look at the performances over the last 18 months with the players’ clubs.

“In the end the three lads we’ve picked have been the best three English goalkeepers in the League this year.

“Jack had a good spell in the lead up to Christmas and just after.

“He was not as effective towards the end of the season. The other guys played very well and deserve their place in the squad.”

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