Wilshere targets Euro 2016 spot after latest return from injury

Mark Scott
Jack Wilshere: Made his first appearance of the season

Jack Wilshere: Made his first appearance of the season

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is feeling “fitter and sharper” as he sets his sights on being included in the England squad for Euro 2016.

The midfielder made his first Gunners appearance of the season as a substitute during Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland after recovering from a leg injury.

Wilshere was delighted to be back on the pitch and now aims to prove his fitness to England manager Roy Hodgson to be in with a chance of making the squad which travels to France this summer.

The 24-year-old told Arsenal Player: “It’s the best feeling. All those late nights and long days in the gym, this is when it really pays off.

“You can do all the training, you can play for the under-21s to build your fitness up, but what really matters is playing for the first team and getting back on the pitch, so I’m really happy.

“I felt good. In my first under-21s game, I didn’t really feel that great. In the second I felt better and in the third I felt as though I was able to get through 90 minutes and have an impact on the game.

“I spoke with the boss (Arsene Wenger) in the week, he felt the same and I travelled to Sunderland. It’s a big week for me in training, getting fitter and sharper. Hopefully next weekend I can get some more game time and go from there.

“I’m not saying that I’m there yet, this is just another step on my way to full recovery. There’s a few games left and after that, hopefully I’ll go away with England to the Euros. It’s an exciting time.”