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Jack Wilshere happy to be back in England fold for massive Scotland game

Jack Wilshire of England in action
Image: Jack Wilshire has missed England's last three games

Jack Wilshere hopes to get the chance to take out his frustrations on Scotland when England take on their old rivals on Friday night at Wembley.

The Arsenal midfielder, who is spending the season on loan at Bournemouth, is back in England's plans after a fine start to his stay on the south coast.

Interim boss Gareth Southgate said, after confirming Wilshere as part of his squad on Sunday, the 24-year-old was benefiting from the chance to get a regular game after a series of injuries caused him to drop down the pecking order at the Emirates.

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And Wilshere now hopes his return to full fitness will mean an England recall for their fourth World Cup Qualifier after he missed Sam Allardyce's sole game in charge and the first two under Southgate's care.

"A lot has changed since I was last in the squad, I'm in a good place, I'm happy and looking forward to it," said Wilshere.

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Harry Kane, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere were among eight England players to miss their training session on Tuesday

"I'm still working hard and trying to improve myself and play as many games as possible at Bournemouth. I believe in myself and my own ability. If I'm playing games and I'm fit then I've got the confidence that I can make a difference in the England team."

Jack Wilshere after England lost 2-1 to Iceland at Euro 2016
Image: Wilshere's last appearance came in the disappointing Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland

Wilshere admits he still feels frustration from last summer's tournament, which saw England exit against Iceland in the last-16 and the end of Roy Hodgson's time in charge.

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When asked if that game lingered in his memory, he said: "A little bit but a lot has changed since then. I think the one feeling I get is frustration, because I felt that even up to that game in the tournament we were doing alright.

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Gareth Southgate and members of the England squad have been honouring those who died for their country in a show of remembrance in Burton

"We played well in the first few games. Okay we dropped off a little bit in the Slovakia game. But I felt we were doing alright and had enough to beat Iceland so it was just frustration.

"But the team have definitely moved on. There's a new manager and a lot's changed since then and we're just looking forward now."

Southgate was keen to accentuate the history of England and Scotland games as part of his preparation, going as far as sorting out a video presentation of old matches for the squad to watch.

England's caretaker manager Gareth Southgate during a training session at St George's Park, Burton.
Image: Gareth Southgate has been keen to draw on the history of England-Scotland games

And Wilshere says that will make Friday night extra special for him and the rest of the squad as they look for another three Group F points.

He added: "Of course I've got memories of [Paul] Gascoigne's goal, the one that stands out for me, obviously I've played in one now and it was quite a special night I think.

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England striker Harry Kane says he is ready to face Scotland on Friday

"We played really well, got a great result and I think personally as well I played quite well and looking back it was a special atmosphere.

"We've got to make that atmosphere at Wembley as well because it's a big game and the fans are normally great at Wembley and I'm sure they're going to be up for this one because in the group it's the biggest game.

"I think as players, there's a lot of players in the squad that have played in it on more than one occasion and I think we understand it.

Jack Wilshere in action for AFC Bournemouth
Image: Wilshere has played himself into 90 minute fitness on loan with Bournemouth

"The manager showed us a video yesterday and it showed us past our game, back to Gascoigne and that era and it was nice. We know what it means as players, you know, it's a massive game for us. I played there at Celtic Park and we played at Wembley and on both occasions, we know their players really well from the Premier League, it's almost going to be like a Premier League game.

"I've never met him [Gazza]. He's someone I looked up to when I was growing up and I watched a lot of Youtube clips of him, I've seen his film and he was a special player and he's probably for me, the best ever English player.

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Former England defender Terry Butcher predicts Wayne Rooney will score in the World Cup Qualifier against Scotland

"There's definitely more pressure playing for England than your club because as you said everyone's watching, with the way the footballing world's gone, as in with social media, everyone can have their opinion, and it's easy to get caught up in that and let the pressure get to you.

"So I would say there is more pressure and some players deal with it better than others, and we have to find a way as a group of dealing with it, that's when I spoke about blocking it out and just concentrating on us and making sure that we produce our best performance."

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