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Jack Wilshere is tipped by Bournemouth pal Benik Afobe to become Sam Allardyce’s ‘go to’ man with England

On-loan midfielder can bounce back from both Euro 2016 woe and missing out on first game under new Three Lions boss

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JACK WILSHERE will soon be Sam Allardyce’s “go-to” man... says Benik Afobe.

Wilshere, 24, was left out of Allardyce’s first England squad — despite having gone to Euro 2016 under Roy Hodgson.

The midfielder failed to find form in France  after an injury-hit season.

Benik Afobe
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Benik Afobe has tipped pal Jack Wilshere to star for England
Wilshere struggled when given a euro 2016 chance against Slovakia
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Wilshere struggled when given a Euro 2016 chance against SlovakiaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Afobe said: “It was always going to be hard for Jack at the Euros  having only played one full game all season because of his injuries.

“Yet Roy kept faith in him and I thought, personally, it was right he was involved in the squad.”

Wilshere hopes to pick up his Three Lions career again
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Wilshere hopes to pick up his Three Lions career again after being loaned outCredit: News Group Newspapers

Arsenal star Wilshere is set for his Bournemouth debut at home to West Brom today having agreed a season-long loan with Eddie Howe’s men.
He will see his time on the South Coast as a chance  to impress Three Lions boss Allardyce after missing out on Sunday’s 1-0 win in Slovakia.
But Cherries striker Afobe has no doubts his good pal will soon be back in Big Sam’s plans.

Wilshere was replaced by skipper Wayne Rooney during the 0-0 Euro 2016 stage match against Slovakia
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Wayne Rooney replaced Wilshere during the 0-0 Euros stage match v SlovakiaCredit: AP:Associated Press
Sam Allardyce will need to be convinced Wilshere can be a consistent force in midfield
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Sam Allardyce will need to be convinced Wilshere can be a consistent forceCredit: Getty Images
Benik Afobe has no doubts new club team-mate Wilshere will be a major force at the highest level again
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Benik Afobe has no doubts new club team-mate Wilshere will revive his careerCredit: Griffiths Photographers

He added: “Jack’s good enough and should be in that England squad.

“Hopefully he can get back into that squad by delivering the right sort of performances for Bournemouth — and be the new manager’s go-to man.

Jack has the ability to carry England.

“He’s that good. We’ve seen him get man of the match five games in a row. So he has the ability to be the best for sure.”

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