England World Cup squad: Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain given green light for Brazil

England internationals have been struggling with injuries but Wenger reveals he expects both players to be included in Roy Hodgson's squad

Jim van Wijk
Monday 12 May 2014 14:05 BST
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Fit again Jack WIlshere competes with Bradley Johnson
Fit again Jack WIlshere competes with Bradley Johnson (GETTY IMAGES)

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Arsenal manager Arsenal Wenger sees no reason why both Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should not be fighting fit for England at the World Cup next month.

Midfielder Jack Wilshere made his long-awaited return from a fractured foot when he came on in the second half of the Gunners' routine 2-0 win at Norwich, which confirmed the Canaries relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another expected to be included by Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson when he names his World Cup squad later on Monday, with Wenger having revealed the 20-year-old - who scored in the draw with Brazil in Rio last summer - is set to return to full training this week ahead of the FA Cup final following a groin problem.

"The World Cup is in one month, so there is plenty of time," Wenger said.

"Wilshere can play now, so it shows you that there is no problem for him to be available for England.

"The news (on Oxlade-Chamberlain) is good. He should reintegrate into the squad on Wednesday in normal training.

"He will be available for (manager) Roy (Hodgson) to pick him, I wouldn't be surprised if he was picked."

Wenger believes there should be no long-term concerns if both men are utilised properly this summer.

"If the players are not injured, then players like Oxlade-Chamberlain, they are not overplayed, they can absorb competition to come back and need minimal rest before they start competition next year," he said.

"The only danger for us is if the player is not medically fit, but I trust the medical team in England if they travel.

"I think they have their first camp in Portugal and they will know after that."

Read more: Wilshere returns as Ramsey leaves Arsenal to ponder
Wenger rules out becoming Monaco manager

Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy, who could also be in the England World Cup squad, made three good saves in the first half before he was beaten by a fine strike by Aaron Ramsey on 53 minutes.

Defender Carl Jenkinson swept home another for his first Arsenal goal as the visitors closed out a comfortable victory, while Norwich, who sacked manager Chris Hughton with just five matches left, must now regroup for life in the Sky Bet Championship along with Cardiff and Fulham.

"We just wanted to finish the season well and we did it in a serious way, so it is a good basis to prepare for the FA Cup final," said Wenger, who rejected reports he was set to leave Arsenal at the end of his contract this summer and rejoin former club Monaco.

Norwich confirmed in a statement on Sunday evening they are expecting to announce a new manager later this week.

Neil Adams, promoted from youth team coach, is one of "a number of candidates" being considered, with former Cardiff and Watford manager Malky Mackay linked to the Norfolk club, for whom he made played more than 200 appearances, along with Gianfranco Zola, who remains available for work in England following his December resignation at Vicarage Road.

Before the start of the season Hughton embarked on a £20million summer spending spree, bringing in the likes of Gary Hooper, Leroy Fer, Martin Olsson and Nathan Redmond, but it was the failure of club-record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel to settle - scoring just one league goal all season - which stood out most.

Adams maintains there had been no bust up with the Dutch forward, who was not in the match-day 18 against Arsenal.

"Nothing happened as such. He just wasn't picked," said Adams. "I didn't see a strop and he didn't refuse to be a substitute."

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