Wilshere surprised by England inclusion (From Swindon Advertiser)

Wilshere surprised by England inclusion

3:21pm Friday 9th November 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

Jack Wilshere admits he did not expect to be called back into the England squad so soon but is glad to be in the future plans of Roy Hodgson.

The 20-year-old has only just returned to action with Arsenal after more than a year on the sidelines, but was picked in the senior national squad for next week's friendly in Sweden.

Speaking to BBC Football Focus, Wilshere said: "Maybe it is a bit too soon (to be called up) because I have only played three games since I have been back. But it is great for my head and my confidence to know I am in the new manager's plans."

He continued: "The last time I played for England was under Fabio Capello and now there is a new manager and staff, so I did not know the thinking of the new tactics - would I fit in? Am I in their plans?

"To know now the manager has picked me and he is looking at me for the team is good for me."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger would rather his player - who is suspended for Saturday's Barclays Premier League game with Fulham after his red card at Manchester United - had not been involved at all in the Stockholm friendly.

However, the Frenchman accepted there was little he could do to prevent the call-up, although it is understood a compromise has been reached to only give Wilshere a maximum of 45 minutes of action.

Wilshere has experienced niggling injuries which stem back to an ankle problem initially suffered when winning his fifth cap against Switzerland at Wembley in June 2011, but is now relishing the challenges ahead as England look to secure a place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"It is a new chapter for me in my football career, the last time I played for England was 17 months ago. now everyone can see there is a different style of play," he added. "For my confidence it is nice to be picked and know I am in the new manager's plans.

"There are a lot of young players in there now, which is great for me. I played with the likes of Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling in the under-21s and to see them breaking into the first team now is good for the future."