Arsène Wenger says Jack Wilshere doesn’t need to leave Arsenal to get a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad travelling to Russia next summer.

Wenger was asked in his pre-Watford press conference whether Jack would have to leave to get a chance with England, after the midfielder was left out of the most recent World Cup qualifiers.

The Arsenal boss responded (via Daily Mail): “I don’t think he has to leave. I believe Jack is in the best form I’ve seen for a long time. He is very close to being considered like anyone else.

“Overall I believe he doesn’t necessarily have to leave Arsenal to reach the World Cup. If keeps going like he is going at the moment, he will go to the World Cup, I am sure. I don’t see Jack being fully fit and not going to the World Cup.

“He has played games for us this season and he will play many more.”

Wilshere has been eased back into the action for the Gunners, presumably so they can be sure he doesn’t suffer a setback. However, when he has featured, Jack’s been one of the best players on the pitch on almost every occasion, in my opinion.

In his first few minutes against FC Köln you could see the influence of the midfielder’s return. Suddenly Arsenal were playing one touch passes, while moving the ball quickly and it felt like a throwback to Arsene Wenger sides of a few years ago.

Against Doncaster Rovers, the football wasn’t quite as exciting, but Jack was one of the few players making things happen, and finally managed to complete 90 minutes for Arsenal – the first time in three years.

When Arsenal played BATE Borisov, and Wilshere looked a class above as the Gunners stormed to a 3-0 lead within 25 minutes. After that, the team eased off and it was a relatively comfortable game despite two almost-comebacks from Borisov.

But it got fans excited for more, and if Wilshere can keep playing like that, I find it hard to disagree that he’ll be a nailed on member of the England squad in Russia.