Arsenal play me out of position

Jack Wilshere has given Arsene Wenger a nudge by saying he is happier playing through the middle with England than out wide at Arsenal.

The fit-again midfielder returned to Roy Hodgson’s XI in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Turkey, having started only once for the Gunners at the end of a season ruined by a broken leg.

The 24-year-old was understandably short of his top form in the Euro 2016 warm-up and came off after 66 minutes but all indications are that he will be on the plane to France barring an unexpected breakdown. And Hodgson’s faith extends not only to Wilshere’s fitness but also to his best position. At Arsenal he is often required to play on the flank when available but Hodgson immediately restored him to his preferred slot in the centre.

Wilshere is bullish about his readiness for the tournament, despite his lack of game time and reputation for fragility. Wenger could have used him earlier than he did at the end of the campaign but erred on the side of caution. That has left Wilshere eager to be back on the pitch and he hopes to feature in both of England’s remaining friendlies against Australia and Portugal.

The most important thing for me now is to get games and to get that match sharpness. I know what it’s like coming back from injury and with every game I’ll feel better.

There was one worrying moment during the second half in Manchester when Wilshere appeared to be in some pain after a heavy challenge. But he shrugged it off and insists he does not live in fear of being targeted.Hodgson reflected contentedly on the player’s contribution and appeared already to be considering Wilshere’s potential impact in the tournament. “The sharpness is coming,” said the coach. “He certainly didn’t show any signs of having any particular physical problems. It was still the Jack Wilshere that I remember.