Bournemouth captain Simon Francis has said that England boss Gareth Southgate was wrong to leave Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere out of his squad for the 2018 World Cup.

Wilshere made 38 appearances for Arsenal during the 2017-18 campaign, but was left out of the Three Lions squad that will travel to this summer's tournament in Russia.

Francis played alongside Wilshere at Bournemouth during the 2016-17 season, and the right-back has insisted that the Gunners midfielder should be in Southgate's 23-man selection.

"Playing with him first hand and seeing the ability that he possesses, I can't help but feel that England would need that," Francis told Sky Sports News.

"You have to look at players and how much they've played over the season but I think Jack proved, especially at the back end of the season and into 2018, that he can have a really good run of games.

"He did that for us. He had a really good run of games before picking up that injury away at Spurs, but he was crucial for us in staying up and finishing ninth that season. For sure he has the ability and sometimes you have to take risks."

Southgate claimed that there were players 'more deserving' of a spot than Wilshere when questioned on the topic.