Wenger backs Jack for Euros

Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere should be fit in time to represent England at Euro 2016 after coming through 90 minutes for the Arsenal under-21s on Monday.

The midfielder has yet to play first-team football this season after sustaining a fractured ankle during the summer but recently returned to full training and, after being rushed back in the past, appears to have had his comeback more carefully managed this time around.

Following some encouraging outings for the Gunners’ under-21s, Wilshere completed 90 minutes against West Brom’s equivalent side on Monday.

The game did not go without incident, though, as he needed treatment following a knock on his knee but he recovered and even scored.

Although he will not feature for Wenger’s side against the Baggies’
first team on Thursday, the news will come as a boost for England coach Roy Hodgson ahead of Euro 2016.

The 24-year-old was key to Hodgson’s plans in qualifying and the boss seems keen to take him to France in the summer.

Wenger believes the signs are good for Wilshere and is confident he will be fully fit in time for the start of the tournament.

“He (Wilshere) has absorbed well his first obstacle of getting games,”
Wenger said. “That means he has finally got 90 minutes and he has had no setbacks and the positives are that in every game he was sharper.

“That means he has a good fitness basis. Overall, the progression should be normal.

“The European Championship starts on June 10 and until then is nearly two months. If you look at his fitness at the moment, in two months he should be perfectly fit.”

England are currently priced at 9.00 to win Euro 2016, with hosts France leading the betting at 4.00.