Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Jack Wilshere to earn a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for England's upcoming friendlies.

The 25-year-old has not been been used by the Three Lions since the 2-1 defeat to Iceland in the last 16 of Euro 2016 due to a lack of form and fitness.

Wilshere had a mixed spell on the south coast during a season-long stint with Bournemouth last time out but, having overcome his latest injury setback in the opening weeks of the campaign, he has shown recent signs of returning to his best.

Wenger now believes that the time is right for the midfielder to be included by Southgate ahead of games against Brazil and Germany later this month.

"Personally I think he is ready. He was not three weeks ago but he is today. I have the same problem [as Southgate], he is competitive for me as well," he told reporters. "In every competition he is ready to play. I would encourage him to do it.

"I personally think that with a super-fit Jack - I don't know how you can keep him out of the English squad. I manage him at the moment like every other player. For the last three weeks he has been treated completely like any other player."

Wilshere has been used six times by Wenger in all competitions this term, but just one of those appearances has come in the Premier League.