Wilshere’s form at the start of this season was as close as he has been since all those debilitating injuries to the level he consistently produced during his breakthrough 2010‑11 season. Even against Barcelona at their peak four years ago, Wilshere shone and looked like England’s next midfield great. It is a thought that continues to provide hope for the future, even if there is now a sense that he can sometimes be too slow to release the ball and consequently almost too willing – and brave – to invite the sort of challenges that do his ankles no good. For a player given licence to break forward, there have also not been enough goals or assists.