Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe surprised Arsenal loanee Jack Wilshere not picked for England
Friday 17 March 2017 10:46, UK
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is surprised Jack Wilshere was overlooked for the latest England squad.
The Arsenal loanee was not selected by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming friendly against Germany and World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania.
Howe believes Wilshere has the quality to be in the squad and had proved his fitness after returning to the Cherries side as a substitute last weekend.
"It's very difficult to put any other hat on than the Bournemouth hat, so am I surprised? Yes because of the quality of the player Jack is," Howe said ahead of his side's crucial relegation clash against Swansea on Saturday.
"I think Jack has performed really well for us. The only question was his ability to play consecutive games for us, and keep fit, and I think he's done that.
"I still feel there is a lot more to come as he continues to get back to his very highest levels. We've been really pleased with him. Of course he is going to be a crucial player for us in the run in. It goes without saying.
"He showed last week how important he was to us, because he came on and scored an absolutely pivotal role in the third goal. Jack showed his quality in that moment."
Howe's side picked up their first Premier League win since the victory over Swansea in the reverse fixture in December, by beating West Ham 3-2 last weekend.
But Howe said: "Swansea are a different team now in the sense that they've got the same individuals but are shaped differently, harder to beat, and very well organised. Their results have shown due to that organisation.
"Paul Clement has made a big impact since he's come in and the players look galvanised by that, and more confident. With so few games to go, each one takes on more importance. We're keen to keep up the momentum."
