Thursday 24 March 2016 16:32, UK
Paul Merson believes Roy Hodgson should take Jack Wilshere to Euro 2016 if the England midfielder is fit.
The Arsenal man hasn't played a minute of football this season after suffering a broken leg on the eve of the Community Shield in August, but played a big part in England's qualifying campaign before the injury.
It remains to be seen how soon Wilshere will return to action for Arsenal, but with Hodgson's squad announcement coming on May 12, Merson believes the 24-year-old will need a few games under his belt to be considered.
Merson told The Fantasy Football Club Podcast: "One thing about Roy is he is very loyal. He's very loyal to the people who have helped in along the way in the group stages.
"That's the way I read it. I think he needs to do more than just get on a pitch, for me he'll have to play a few games and see where it goes from there.
"If he's fit I think he will take him, I think he's different to what we have got. He will make things happen, and sometimes you've just got to take that chance."
England face Russia, Wales and Slovakia in the group stages of Euro 2016 in France, with the top three going into the knockout stages.
Merson says that while taking Wilshere may be a gamble, there should be opportunities for Hodgson to rest him if needs be, and England should be strongly stocked if he was to succumb to injury once more.
"There are 22 players. If he breaks down halfway through the tournament, there has got to be someone else to step in.
"With the top three going through in the group, if you win your first two games you can rest him in the next game, you haven't got to play him every game, you can look after him along the way.
"I think he will take him if he's fit. He's different, and if he's different, he's got to be worth the gamble."
