Jack Wilshere says that Gareth Southgate made it clear to him what he needed to do to make it back into the England squad ahead of the World Cup and Jack says he’s delivered.

Heading towards a Bosman this summer, Wilshere knows that a great World Cup could boost his personal bank account significantly.

After all, nothing improves a player’s pay packet like a good showing during the four weeks of football’s biggest spectacle.

But there was no guarantee that Wilshere would make the final squad, struggling as he was to even get called up.

That has changed now, with the midfielder included in Gareth Southgate’s latest squad for the upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy.

“I understand that I haven’t played for England for a while so people are going to be watching me but as I’m confident in my own ability I’m looking forward to it,” Wilshere told the media this weekend. His last cap came in 2016 when England were dumped out of the Euros by Iceland.

“It has been about proving my fitness to everyone. I don’t think people have ever questioned my ability. Well, some people have!

“But it’s about proving my fitness and I am confident in myself and my body. I trust in my body and I’m looking forward to the future.

“Every week you have a point to prove. That’s the industry we’re in. We’re at a level where we are judged week in, week out.”

“He [Southgate] made it clear what he wanted me to do and I’ve done that. I’ve been fit all year,” added Wilshere.

“I’m fit and healthy and feeling good, feeling stronger as games go on.”