He has played three games in a week and netted against top-line opposition - now Jack Wilshere wants his England place back.

Arsenal’s talisman has already convinced Arsene Wenger to accept he has earned the right to discuss a new deal at the Emirates.

Now the 26-year-old is confident that Wednesday night’s goal against Chelsea represented the latest - and most significant - staging post in his renaissance for club and country.

“I think that was my first thought when it went in.” he said. “I knew how big a game it was.

“I don’t really think about going out there trying to prove people wrong. I’ve always believed in myself.

Wilshere finds the net against Chelsea (
Image:
Arsenal FC)
The Arsenal midfielder celebrates (
Image:
Stuart MacFarlane)

“Even when I’ve had setback after setback I was still confident that I would come back to this level and play in this team. That’s part of the reason why I am here now - because I have never stopped believing.”

The likes of Liverpool’s Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson, Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus Cheek and Tottenham’s Harry Winks have all impressed for England since Wilshere last featured at the Euros in June 2016.

Gareth Southgate has also made it clear he will not indulge anyone not playing regularly for their clubs at this year’s World Cup.

Wilshere is determined to show, however, that he retains enough quality to make the plane for Russia this summer.

Jack Wilshere of England looks dejected (
Image:
Getty)

He said: “I still believe i can play for England, even with the young players that have come in.

“I still believe i have got the quality to get into that team and that’s what I am trying to do.

“I heard what the England manager said before the last squad was announced. He said we need to be playing in the Premier League week in, week out and I am doing that now. Hopefully it can continue.”

The debate around Wilshere has previously centred on the widely-held belief that his body is too fragile to be relied upon.

Wilshere tracks Eden Hazard (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)
The midfielder has been in fine form (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

Yet he impressed in the 3-2 win at Crystal Palace on December 28. He completed the 1-1 draw at West Brom three days later and he scored in the 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea three days after that.

“It gives me belief in my body.” he added. “I’ve never questioned it. I’ve never thought before the game: ‘I’m a bit tired today’ - [Chelsea was] my third game in six days.

“I was ready to go. I know my body well. I know the right foods to eat. I know the best way to recover and get the right amount of sleep. i’ve done that over the years and I think now that I am in the best shape that I have ever been.”

Wilshere has started just 121 League games for Arsenal, Bolton and Bournemouth (the last two on loan) since his top‑flight debut ten years ago.

Can Wilshere work his way back into the England fold? (
Image:
The FA via Getty Images)

His career has been ravaged by injuries, but a gluten-free diet has left him ready to sustain his return to form.

“I have been dairy and gluten free now for six weeks.” he went on. “My kids have always been dairy and gluten free since birth. I didn’t have much dairy but the few times I did in the team hotel, I had an upset stomach. So I have just cut it out completely.

“I feel that I look better, I have certainly lost a bit of weight, and am leaner. I am probably fitter as well.

“I feel sharper and quicker on the pitch. I feel like I can last longer. For example, at the end of the Chelsea game when we scored the second goal, I felt ‘come on, we can go on again here’. I was pressing them and felt good.”

poll loading

Does a fit Jack Wilshere make YOUR England World Cup 2018 squad?

500+ VOTES SO FAR