Gareth Southgate still has Jack Wilshere in his England plans for next summer’s World Cup.

According to the Daily Mail, Southgate has seen Wilshere’s impressive performances for Arsenal in recent weeks, including being in attendance for the match against Everton. He came off the bench to grab an assist for Aaron Ramsey in yet another encouraging step forward in his return to the Arsenal first-team.

As a result of his comeback, Southgate has reportedly assured the 25-year-old that he’s still in the manager’s plans, as long as he plays enough matches this season. With the way the midfielder has been playing for the Gunners, that would seem to be in the best interests of Arsenal.

From what I’ve seen, England are lacking a midfielder like Wilshere, who can make things happen creatively. The national team have players like Harry Kane and Danny Welbeck to finish the chances, but they lack a player with the vision and ability to drive the team forward and create opportunities.

Wilshere can provide that spark from midfield, as he has for the Gunners and for England in the past. In my opinion, the only thing that’s ever kept him out of the team has been his fitness, as his ability is never in doubt. If Southgate agrees, then the 25-year-old will be on the plane to Russia next summer.

He could get a chance even before that, however, with friendlies against Germany and Brazil coming up in November.