Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has said that Arsenal's Jack Wilshere is England's best midfielder "by a street" and could play in any team in Europe.
Wilshere, who has entered the final months of his current Gunners contract, has returned to form in Arsene Wenger's first team at the Emirates after suffering in recent seasons through injury and a lack of playing time.
Neville, who worked with Wilshere in the England setup alongside Roy Hodgson, has said that the 26-year-old must be considered for next year's World Cup finals in Russia.
"He's the best English midfield player by a street," the former full-back told Sky Sports News. "I worked with all of the English midfield players for four years and he could play in any single team in this country and live in that team or any single team in Europe, he is that good.
"I've worked with him and I've got no allegiance to Jack Wilshere or Arsenal Football Club and this is a fantastic player and talent, who is a must for England if he is fit and playing well.
"His performance levels are high, but the reliability is not good enough. You need him to play three, four or five seasons on the bounce. For me, he is the best midfield player that I saw with England in my time there."
Arsenal lost ground in the race for Champions League qualification last weekend after losing away to Bournemouth, while Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United all won their games.
Jonny Whitfield
