Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has reportedly been told he will not be part of the 23-man England squad travelling to Russia this summer.
England manager Gareth Southgate has decided against taking Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere to Russia this summer, due to concerns over the midfielder’s fitness, according to a report from The Times.
The report claims that the England manager was less than impressed with Wilshere’s application to training, and general level of fitness in the build up to March’s friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy and informed the player of his omission on Tuesday night as a result.
England are approaching the competition with a high-pressing philosophy, and Southgate can’t see Wilshere providing the necessary legs in midfield to compete against the world’s best outfits.
Arsenal fans on the whole have been satisfied with Wilshere’s level of performance since his return from AFC Bournemouth, and have taken to Twitter in disagreement with Southgate’s bold decision – the common assertion being that England need all the creativity they can get in midfield.
Unfortunately for the Arsenal man, adhering to the team philosophy is the priority this summer, and his obvious quality and vision in possession of the ball isn’t enough to justify his place in the squad.
Things are up in the air for Wilshere at the moment at club level with regards to his contract situation also, and he will need to clarify his future ahead of the new manager’s impending arrival.
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