Jack Wilshere surprised by England call-up to face Sweden

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere says his call-up to the England squad has come "a bit too soon" but is delighted that Roy Hodgson has picked him.

Wilshere is in the England squad to face Sweden on Wednesday despite only making three appearances for Arsenal since a 15-month injury lay-off.

He told BBC Football Focus: "Maybe it is a bit too soon to be called up.

"But it is great for my head and my confidence to know I am in the new manager's plans."

Wilshere, 20, last played for England in the 2-2 draw with Switzerland in June 2011 but could win his sixth cap in Stockholm next week.

The midfielder injured his ankle in a pre-season game last July and has only managed three games for Arsenal since.

He was sent-off in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last weekend but is eager to get back into international action.

He said: "Last time I played for England was under Fabio Capello and now there is a new manager so I don't know the thinking of their new tactics: would I fit in their plans?

"To know the manager has picked me and is looking at me as part of the team is good for me. It is a new chapter in my footballing career."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Thursday that he felt Wilshere's call-up had come too soon, but also revealed that he had come to a compromise with England boss Hodgson.

"The ideal solution would be [that Wilshere wasn't involved]," said Wenger. "It is as it is. He has played three games now, and of the three games only one [has been a] full game.

"He has been out for 17 months and it's good to have a little break after three games.

"I had Roy Hodgson on the phone, we found a good understanding and a good compromise."

England captain Steven Gerrard will win his 100th cap against Sweden, but Wilshere believes there is enough talent coming through to allow England to compete.

He said: "It is [the media's] job to build me up. That is part and parcel of the game.

"Now, I think England are lucky with the players coming through, look at Tom Cleverley and players like that. They are natural ball players who can compete with the best players in in the world when it comes to technical ability."

You can see the full interview with Jack Wilshere in Saturday's Football Focus, on BBC One at 12:15 GMT

Jack Wilshere was talking at the opening of a new state-of-the-art Lung Function Unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Arsenal were in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity during the 2009/10 season, raising more than £800,000.