Gareth Southgate expects more from Jack Wilshere

England manager Gareth Southgate has decided to exclude midfielder Jack Wilshere from the squad for the upcoming games versus Spain and Switzerland. The 26-year-old was a surprise exclusion from the Three Lions squad for the recent World Cup in Russia and he has since switched his allegiance to West Ham United after his contract expired with Arsenal.

Speaking in a news conference, Southgate was quizzed as to what Wilshere must do to return to the national team setup to which he replied: “Play well. I’ve watched two of his first three games, so the same as every other player. They’ve got to be playing well and the competition is high.”

Wilshere was impressive for the Gunners during the first half of the previous campaign and this earned him a call-up to the national side for the friendlies in March. However, shortly after reporting for Three Lions training, he struggled with a minor knee injury and this restricted him from making an appearance altogether.

Since then, hehas struggled to produce consistent performances of a higher level and his move to West Ham United has certainly not benefited him. The Stevenage-born ace has started all four league games for the Hammers this campaign but unfortunately he has not been able to make a notable impact which should pose a concern over his future prospects with England.

Meanwhile, Southgate confirmed that he is keeping a close watch on the some of the English talents in the Championship with Mason Mount among those capturing his eye. The Chelsea graduate has made a bright start to the season after making the loan move to Derby County and Southgate has hinted that he may have to consider Championship-based players for selection in the future. England’s first game during the international break comes against Spain in the UEFA Nations League before they take on Switzerland in a friendly.