Jack Wilshere has said that Japan can be a "force to be reckoned with" in world football.

Arsenal will tour the Far East as part of their pre-season preparations this year, with matches against J-League sides Magoya Grampus and Urawa Red Diamonds lined up.

The Gunners midfielder told the club's website: "Japan can be a force to be reckoned with. They have a great national team and it will be interesting to go over there and face their teams.

"When we play against them with England we know we are in for a tough game. The players are more technically gifted than physically gifted. They keep the ball well and they cover a lot of ground, so they are tough opponents.

"They have great players and there are more and more in Europe these days."

The Japanese national side recently took part in the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Written by
Sian Cowper