Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere put in another impressive performance in an England shirt against Scotland on Tuesday night, with the 22-year-old grabbing his first assist for the Three Lions. Wilshere played a beautiful lofted ball into the onrushing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who deftly headed the pass into the back of the net to give England the lead.
Wilshere has come under a lot of criticism in the past for not contribution with goals and assists, but his performances for England in a new position seem to be getting the best from him. Only Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner made more touches in the England team against Scotland than Jack Wilshere, who also made the most interceptions (3) and dribbles (2) too.
The 22-year-old clearly is relishing being a first-team player under Roy Hodgson, and is finally starting to show some end product to his game. In the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia, Wilshere once again came away with some of the plaudits for a fine performance at the base of the midfield for England.
Despite being a player of short stature, Wilshere is very physical, and never afraid to throw his weight around. He shields the ball very well, is very confident and composed when in possession, and always wants the ball in dangerous areas to harm the opposition. But England manager Roy Hodgson has looked to play him in a deeper position, solely to take advantage of his wide range of passing.
The England playmaker is the best passer of the ball in the England team now, and also offers combative attributes on the pitch, reading the game well to make important interceptions, while never being afraid to make a tackle.
Wilshere has been around for a while, but his best form over a run of games is something few have seen in a long time. This season, his influence will be maximised in the Arsenal side, with holding-midfielders Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini struggling for form.
The youngster can do the dirty work in the engine room, can play long balls out of trouble pinpoint to any player, and now has an end product to his game. Hodgson will be licking his lips at the prospect of Jack Wilshere by the time Euro 2016 comes around, and from what he has seen when utilising the young playmaker in a deep-lying role, the Arsenal academy graduate has the potential to be a successful mainstay.
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