Jack Wilshere's chances of making the 23-man England squad for the 2018 World Cup have been dealt a massive blow after the Arsenal midfielder was ruled out of Tuesday's friendly with Italy.
The Three Lions' official Twitter account confirmed the news Saturday, adding Wilshere has "withdrawn from the group" after picking up a knee injury in training. Wilshere missed the trip to Amsterdam for Friday's victory over the Netherlands, returning to Arsenal for treatment.
A couple of squad updates as we head to London:
— England (@England) March 24, 2018
🔘 @JackWilshere won't feature against Italy and has now withdrawn from the group
🔘 @J_Gomez97 remains with the squad for further assessment following his substitution in last night's game pic.twitter.com/At5MJlBiMW
It's another tough break for a player defined by an injury-riddled career. Wilshere had regained fitness this season with the Gunners after a shock loan spell at Bournemouth last year ended with a leg break.
Wilshere, 26, last played for England in the Euro 2016 last-16 defeat to Iceland. England boss Gareth Southgate had called the midfielder into the squad for the matches against the Netherlands and Italy in hopes of giving the player a look.
Following Tuesday's match with the Azzurri, England will have just two more tune-ups ahead of the trip to Russia: a match with Nigeria on June 2 in London and a visit from Costa Rica five days later in Leeds.
