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Wilshere needs time to fire for England

Roy Hodgson believes Jack Wilshere has enough time to get games under his belt before the World Cup © Getty Images

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England boss Roy Hodgson believes regular football and an injury free season are essential for Jack Wilshere to fire for his side at next year's World Cup.

Wilshere has been plagued by an ankle injury this season and he was forced out of Arsenal's recent games against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund as he attempted to recover.

It is the latest in a string of setbacks Wilshere has faced throughout his career and Hodgson admits it is vital the 21-year-old finishes the season in consistent form.

"One thing Jack has mentioned [to me] recently has been that he has had a lack of 90-minute match practice and he obviously feels that he needs a few more games under his belt," Hodgson said. "But there will be 28 games that he can possibly play before we go to Brazil so it's not something that bothers me enormously in November.

"That question [about playing time] could be a relevant one at the end of April or the start of May if he is still not playing games, but at the moment, I am just happy to accept that."

After making his international debut at the age of 18, Wilshere has attracted much pressure and criticism, but Hodgson is confident the midfielder will return to career best form in time for Brazil.

"It's going to take Jack some time," Hodgson added. "He admits that, as does Arsene. I thought he did some very good things in the game against Chile so I wasn't disappointed with him.

"He has had two or three weeks off with an ankle injury so it was going to be tough for him to come on and set the game alight in a game of that quality, but I wasn't disappointed with him at all.

"I was pleased we got 65 minutes out of him and I hope that will do him well for the future."

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