Jack Wilshere has revealed that he volunteered to end Arsenal’s longstanding search for a holding midfielder, only to be told by Arsène Wenger that he does not see him in that role at this stage of his career.

Just as he did against Switzerland in September, Roy Hodgson, the England manager, deployed the 22-year-old in a deeper position against Slovenia and Scotland, with impressive results. England won both games and Wilshere was twice chosen as man of the match for his performances.

It is a role that Wilshere insists he is more than happy to play for club and country, to such an extent that he feels he is now producing his “best form” for England. And it is one in which he feels he