Wilshere: 'I love this new role, I'm learning all the time'

Friday 12 Jun 2015
Jack Wilshere now has 27 caps for the Three Lions

Jack Wilshere returned to England action in Ireland last Sunday after seven months out and was pleased to get another game as a deep-lying midfielder.

The Arsenal man was introduced to the role at the start of the European Qualifying campaign by Roy Hodgson, and says he has come a long way since then.

However, an injury sustained while playing for the Gunners in November kept Wilshere sidelined for almost six months. 

Slovenia v England

Euro 2016 Qualifier
5pm BST, Sunday 14 June
Stadion Stozice, Ljubljana
Live on ITV 1

He also missed England's meet-up in March when they faced Lithuania and Italy.

But, after an impressive display during his 66-minute run-out in the 0-0 draw in Dublin and with Slovenia coming up on Sunday, he feels he is getting better all the time in his new position.

"I have not played many games for Arsenal since coming back from injury and I have not played many games in my new role for England," said Wilshere. 

"So it was another game for me, it was a different test. It was against players that I know well and it was tough. But looking back, I felt I did OK. 

"I gave the ball away a few times, which in that position you can’t really do because they are straight onto the defence. 

"That is something I am learning. Maybe it is a discipline thing or something that will come naturally. I have mentioned before that I have watched the best players in that position in the world and that is something they are great at. 

"It is another game for me and I will learn from it." 

Jack Wilshere and Gary Cahill speak to the press

The 23-year-old continued: "I really enjoy playing in that position. 

"Before the Switzerland game when the manager said he wanted me to play in that role and he saw it as the new position, I was a bit nervous," admitted Wilshere.

"It was our first big game since the World Cup and we lost a few big names in that position in midfield, so the whole team was nervous going into that game. 

"Personally I was a bit nervous because it was a big position for the team. But since that game, I feel I’ve come a long way. I’ve learned a lot and I’m getting better every game."

jack-wilshere-shouting-ireland

Jack Wilshere was back for England last Sunday

Wilshere worked his way back to full fitness for Arsenal at the start of May, featuring in their final five games of the season, including their FA Cup Final victory against Aston Villa.

As a result, he says he is feeling fit and sharp going into the Three Lions final game of the season, which take place in Ljubljana on Sunday.

And with a few weeks away from football to follow, Wilshere says he will be working hard to maintain his fitness.

"It is strange because my fitness levels are still on the way up so it is important this summer that I stick to the programme the Arsenal team have given me, and the England team have given me as well. 

"When I come back on 10 July, I’ve got to be ready to go, I’ve got to be fit and ready for a big season for me next year."

By Jamie Bradbury FA Editor At the England team hotel