England manager Gareth Southgate has given the reasons behind Jack Wilshere’s latest omission from the England squad.
England manager Gareth Southgate made the decision to omit Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere from national team duties after deeming his fitness to be below par in the run-up to friendlies against both the Netherlands and Italy in March, as reported by The Times.
The report outlines how the 26-year-old’s dip in form over that period wasn’t decisive in the making the decision. Instead, it was the familiar issues that have plagued Wilshere throughout his whole career.
It has been claimed that Wilshere’s forced absence from the previously mentioned friendly against the Netherlands was the determining factor in Southgate’s decision to leave the midfielder off the 23-man list for the trip to Russia.
That’s not to say Wilshere hasn’t tried though. His decision to go to AFC Bournemouth on a season-long loan last term demonstrated his desire to get regular playing time again, and for the most part Arsenal fans have been happy with his level of performances since returning to the Emirates.
It’s been suggested that the largest concerns are regarding Wilshere’s ability to partake in a high-pressing team, and not his obvious qualities in possession of the ball. Southgate is said to have made the midfielder aware of the situation on Tuesday evening.
Things are up in the air for Wilshere at the moment, who also needs to quickly resolve his contract situation at Arsenal, ahead of the new manager’s arrival this summer.
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