David Seaman believes that England manager Gareth Southgate would be foolish not to take Jack Wilshere to the 2018 Russia World Cup this summer.

Wilshere was left out of Southgate’s squad earlier this season due to a lack of game time in the Premier League. Since then, he’s proven he can stay fit, playing plenty of times in the Arsenal first-team and performing well.

That, combined with Wilshere’s creativity, should see him return to the England fold, according to David Seaman. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “Jack is playing brilliantly. We’ve known this with Jack, he’s got this ability of unlocking defences, he can see passes other players can’t.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 03: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

“The question mark was his fitness, but now he’s showing everybody that’s not an issue. He even picked up an injury recently and came back from it really quickly, so he’s certainly going to be looking for place in that England squad.

“I think Gareth Southgate would be a fool not to take him. If Jack’s in this sort of form, why can’t he go? He’s guy who has got this magic. I’ve compared him before to people like Paul Gascoigne – these players can see passes other players can’t and Jack’s got that.

“He’s showing his fitness now so, for me, he’s got to go. He’s a great option.” England currently lack quality in central midfield and could certainly use a player like Wilshere.

gareth southgate
England manager Gareth Southgate.

He’s started eleven straight games, with nine of those coming in the Premier League, and the other two being a two-legged League Cup semi-final against Chelsea. If he’s not in the England squad in March for the next round of friendlies, something is wrong, in my opinion.

The goal for Wilshere now, besides continuing to do well for Arsenal, is to remain fit for the rest of the season. Doing so would be a significant step in his career after having so many injuries.

Should he see out the campaign, there’s little reason why he won’t be playing in Russia in the summer.