Roy Hodgson, the Crystal Palace manager, wants to do Gareth Southgate a major favour by signing Jack Wilshere in January.

Wilshere fears he will have to quit Arsenal in the next transfer window if he is to go to next summer’s World Cup after being ignored for the Germany and Brazil friendlies. England manager Southgate insisted Wilshere must play for Arsenal in the Premier League to be considered and stuck to his guns even after Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson and Harry Winks withdrew.

West Bromwich Albion’s Jake Livermore and then Burnley’s Jack Cork were called up as midfield deputies ahead of Wilshere, as Southgate sent the clearest message yet that he was prepared to stand by his word.

Wilshere has worked hard to get back in contention with some good performances in the Europa League and League Cup. He stepped off the bench in the defeat by Manchester City, but is yet to start a Premier League game and if the situation does not change the 25-year-old will consider his options.

With his contract due to expire in the summer, Wilshere is already attracting the interest of a number of clubs including West Ham United, Swansea City and Real Betis.