Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere determined to repay Gareth Southgate’s faith in England shirt as World Cup approaches
Wilshere has not played for England since their humiliating Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland
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Your support makes all the difference.Jack Wilshere said he wants to repay Gareth Southgate after the England manager’s decision to bring the midfielder into the international squad.
Wilshere has not played for England since their humiliating Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland, but has the chance to return to the side when they play Holland and Italy over the upcoming international break.
He has been playing regularly for Arsenal, and speaking after playing a key role in the Gunners’ 3-1 second-leg victory against Milan, he said he is determined to hold down a place with England, as the World Cup approaches.
“I knew what I had to do,” he said. “Not just the England manager, but the Arsenal manager made it clear what he wanted from me. He wanted me to prove my fitness. And I think I have done that now.
“The manager (Southgate) made it clear what he wanted me to do, get some games for Arsenal in the Premier League. I have done that and he has been true to his word. It is down to me to repay him now.
“It was hard, it was tough. Back in the summer when I was watching the boys training not knowing if I was staying or was I leaving.
“Once I knew I was staying I was determined to get my head down and get back into the team. It is always an honour to play for my country, I have said that many times. I never gave up hope. I believed in myself and I believed in my ability. “
Wilshere’s contract runs only until the end of the season, and he says it is an issue which remains unresolved.
“We will see,” Wilshere responded, when asked if he will stay beyond this season.
“First and foremost it is important that we focus on football. When the time is right me and the boss will sit down and have a conversation and see where we go from there.”
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