Friday 1 April 2016 10:42, UK
Arsene Wenger says it is "important" for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere to be included in England's Euro 2016 squad.
The 24-year old, whose last two seasons have been hit by injury, has not featured at all this campaign after suffering a broken fibula in pre-season but has now returned to full training.
"You want your players to compete at the top level," said Wenger. "It is important for Wilshere to play in the Euros."
When asked if Wilshere has time to make Roy Hodgson's squad for this summer's showpiece, and whether he would welcome his selection, the Frenchman added: "Yes and yes. It's yes to both questions."
Asked if taking Wilshere would be a gamble, the Frenchman replied: "If he's completely fit, no.
"When you're a national team coach, you can take a gamble on one player but certainly not on five. He has to consider the whole situation. You can certainly take a chance on just one player."
And he added: "When you're a footballer you want to compete at the top level and what is important is that Jack, who is frustrated enough, regains confidence.
"It's very important for his confidence that he can go to the Euros and he can play. It's also important to have a player of his quality available."
Wilshere is not expected to feature for Arsenal against Watford on Saturday but could play for the club's U21 side next week.
"We have not decided [if Wilshere will feature for the U21s] yet," he said. "It is his first week back in full training and we'll see how he responds to that, but the first signs are quite good. We'll assess our options next week.
"We will be cautious with him. He will be back to being fully competitive in about three weeks."
