Jack Wilshere facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jack Wilshere

Wilshere playing for West Ham United in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Jack Andrew Garry Wilshere
Date of birth	(1992-01-01) 1 January 1992 (age 33)
Place of birth	Stevenage, England
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.72 m)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Youth career
2001	Luton Town
2001–2008	Arsenal
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2008–2018	Arsenal	125	(7)
2010	→ Bolton Wanderers (loan)	14	(1)
2016–2017	→ AFC Bournemouth (loan)	27	(0)
2018–2020	West Ham United	16	(0)
2021	AFC Bournemouth	14	(1)
2022	AGF	14	(0)
Total		210	(9)
International career
2006–2007	England U16	3	(0)
2007–2009	England U17	10	(1)
2009	England U19	1	(0)
2009–2010	England U21	7	(0)
2010–2016	England	34	(2)
Managerial career
2025	Norwich City (interim)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Jack Andrew Garry Wilshere (born 1 January 1992) is an English football coach and former professional player. He played as a midfielder. He was most recently the interim head coach for EFL Championship club Norwich City.

Wilshere grew up in Arsenal's youth academy. He made his first-team debut in 2008. He became Arsenal's youngest league player at 16 years and 256 days old. He won awards like the PFA Young Player of the Year and was named in the 2010–11 PFA Team of the Year. He also won Arsenal's Player of the Season award.

After leaving Arsenal in 2018, Wilshere played for West Ham United. He then had short times at AFC Bournemouth and AGF. He announced his retirement from playing in 2022.

Wilshere played 34 times for the England national team. He had also played for England's younger teams. He made his senior team debut against Hungary when he was 18. This made him one of England's youngest players ever. He played for England in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016.

Early Life and Football Dreams

Jack Wilshere was born on January 1, 1992, in Stevenage, England. He grew up in a nearby town called Hitchin. He was the captain of his school football team. His team won the County Cup and District Cup many times. They also won the Under 15s National Cup when he was in Year 8. Jack was a big fan of West Ham United when he was a boy. His favorite player was Paolo Di Canio.

Jack's Club Career Highlights

Starting at Arsenal

Wilshere playing for Arsenal in 2009

Jack Wilshere joined the Arsenal Academy in October 2001. He was just nine years old. Before that, he had a short time in the Luton Town youth program. He quickly moved up through the ranks at Arsenal. At 15, he became the captain of the under-16 team.

In 2007, Jack played in the Champions Youth Cup in Malaysia. When he came back, Arsenal Academy coach Steve Bould gave him a chance. Jack started for the under-18 team against Chelsea. He scored his first goal against Aston Villa in a 4–1 win. He even scored three goals in one game against Watford's under-18s. He helped his team win the Academy Group A title. In his first full season with the under-18s, he scored 13 goals in 18 games. Most of these goals happened when he was only 15.

In February 2008, Jack played his first game for Arsenal Reserves. He was 16 years old. He scored Arsenal's only goal in a draw against Reading. He scored a great goal against West Ham reserves in March. The first-team manager, Arsène Wenger, was watching. Jack had two goals and two assists in just three reserve games. He also helped the under-16s win the Ferroli Cup. He was named the best player of that tournament. Jack was very important in Arsenal winning the 2008–09 FA Youth Cup. He scored in the semi-final. He was also the best player in the first game of the final against Liverpool. He set up two goals and scored one himself.

Manager Arsène Wenger gave Wilshere a spot in Arsenal's first team for the 2008–09 season. He was given the number 19 shirt. He played his first official game in a Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers in September 2008. He came on as a substitute for Robin van Persie. At 16 years and 256 days old, he became Arsenal's youngest-ever league player. This record was previously held by Cesc Fàbregas. Ten days later, on September 23, Wilshere scored his first goal for Arsenal. It was in a 6–0 win against Sheffield United in the League Cup. On November 25, 2008, Wilshere played in a UEFA Champions League match against Dynamo Kyiv. He was the fifth 16-year-old to ever play in that competition. In January 2009, he signed his first professional contract. He extended it in July of the same year.

For the 2009–10 season, Wilshere scored two goals in the friendly tournament, the Emirates Cup. He was named the best player twice. On September 22, 2009, he started for Arsenal in their 2–0 League Cup win over West Bromwich Albion.

On January 29, 2010, Wilshere joined Bolton Wanderers on loan. He stayed there until the end of the 2009–10 season. He started his first league game for Bolton against Manchester City on February 9. He scored his first Premier League goal on March 6, 2010. This was in a 2–1 win against West Ham United. He played very well at Bolton. Bolton tried to keep him for another season, but it didn't work out.

Becoming a Key Player (2010–2013)

Wilshere playing for Arsenal in 2010

Wilshere played in Arsenal's first three games of the 2010–11 Premier League season. He started in a 1–1 draw against Liverpool. He also played in a 6–0 win over Blackpool. He continued to play well through October. However, he received a red card in a 2–1 win against Birmingham City. This meant he missed the rest of the domestic games that month. But he did play in a European game against Shakhtar Donetsk. He scored Arsenal's fourth goal in a 5–1 win.

Wilshere regularly played alongside Alex Song in the middle of Arsenal's midfield. His job was to protect Arsenal's defense. He was praised for his strength in a match against Chelsea, which Arsenal won 3–1. He played seven games in January, continuing his strong partnership with Alex Song. This partnership was clear in the big match against Manchester United, which Arsenal won 1–0. The England manager, Fabio Capello, called him "the future." He said he wanted Wilshere to play a key defensive role for England. Wilshere finished the season playing in all of Arsenal's final games in May. He made 49 appearances for Arsenal in total that season.

Dealing with Injuries (2011–2012)

Before the 2011–12 season, Wilshere got a stress fracture in his ankle. This happened during a friendly game against the New York Red Bulls. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said the news about Jack was "very positive." He expected Jack to be back by mid-February. After successful ankle surgery, Wilshere played very little for Arsenal. Wenger later said that Jack's ankle was fine and he was making progress, but it was slow.

Wilshere was eventually ruled out for the rest of the 2011–12 season. Because of this injury, he didn't play in any club games all season. He also missed the 2012 Summer Olympics and England's UEFA Euro 2012 tournament. Wenger confirmed that his progress was not fast enough for the Euros.

Returning to the Pitch (2012–2013)

Wilshere continued to recover from his ankle injury. This injury had kept him out for the entire previous season. Arsène Wenger said that after the international break, he should be close to normal training. He made his return to the first team, starting his first Premier League game in 17 months. This was in a win over Queens Park Rangers. The 20-year-old made an immediate impact. He played a strong game and was named the best player of the match. Wilshere said it felt "amazing to be back." He felt that all his hard work had paid off.

He continued to play for Arsenal. He made six appearances in December. He was again named best player in a game against West Bromwich Albion. The young midfielder signed a new long-term contract with the club. Arsène Wenger was very happy about this. He called Jack "the leader of this group [of young British players]."

Wilshere continued to play very well in January 2013. He played in all eight of Arsenal's games. He scored the winning goal against Swansea City in the FA Cup. His great performance against Swansea earned him another best player award. Wilshere was given the captain's armband when the regular captain, Thomas Vermaelen, got injured against West Ham. Wenger said that Wilshere was "naturally a guy who is not scared of anything on the football pitch." He added that this is "usually the sign of a leader." He said Jack "wants to win and shows you that." Wenger believed Jack would be one of the club's leaders, and that he already was. Wilshere played the whole game in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. After that, he got an injury that kept him out of the remaining games that month.

He was used as a substitute in three of Arsenal's games in May. He came on late in games against QPR, Wigan Athletic, and Newcastle United. Arsène Wenger explained that Jack would have a "small, mild surgery" at the end of the season. This was to remove a small pin. Wenger said it would not be a problem and was "very minor surgery."

More Success and Injuries (2013–2016)

Wilshere warming up for Arsenal in 2014

Wilshere started the season playing on the left wing. This was because Arsenal's main wingers like Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Theo Walcott were injured. He scored his first goal of the season on October 6 in a 1–1 draw against West Bromwich Albion. He scored his second goal on October 19 in a 4–1 home win against Norwich City. On November 26, he scored two goals in one game for the first time in his career. This was in a 2–0 win against Marseille in the UEFA Champions League. His first goal was the fastest European goal scored by an English player in Europe's top competition, timed at 29 seconds. During a match against Manchester City on December 14, Wilshere made a rude hand gesture. He was given a two-match ban for this.

On January 13, 2014, Wilshere helped Arsenal score both their goals in a 2–1 win against Aston Villa. After scoring in the 34th minute, Wilshere won the ball back right after the kick-off. He then set up Olivier Giroud for Arsenal's second goal. Wilshere got his fourth assist of the season in Arsenal's 2–0 win over Fulham on January 18. He set up Santi Cazorla. Wilshere played for England in a friendly game against Denmark on March 6. However, after a tackle from Daniel Agger, Wilshere was out for over six weeks. He had a small fracture in his left foot. This meant he missed important Arsenal games against Chelsea and Manchester City. He also missed the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan on April 12. On May 17, Wilshere came on as a substitute in extra time in the 2014 FA Cup final. Arsenal beat Hull City 3–2 at Wembley Stadium. This was Arsenal's first trophy since 2005. On May 28, Wilshere's goal against Norwich was voted BBC Goal of the Season. It received 42% of the votes.

On August 10, Wilshere started as Arsenal won the 2014 FA Community Shield. They beat Manchester City 3–0. He scored and assisted a goal in Arsenal's 2–2 home draw against the same team on September 13. On November 27, Wilshere was ruled out for three months. He had surgery on his left ankle after injuring ligaments in a 1–2 home loss to Manchester United. On May 24, 2015, Wilshere scored from outside the box as Arsenal beat West Brom 4–1. This secured a spot in the group stages of the next season's UEFA Champions League. This goal was later voted the BBC Goal of the Season. This made Wilshere the first player to win that award in two seasons in a row since the Premier League started. On May 30, Wilshere came on as a substitute in the 2015 FA Cup final. Arsenal won 4–0 against Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium.

Wilshere broke his fibula during pre-season training in August 2015. He was first expected to be out for a few weeks. However, in September, he had surgery on his leg. This meant he was out of action for another three months. In February 2016, Wilshere said he was working to get fit again, but it was slow. He admitted he was frustrated by his injuries. But he was still motivated to return to playing. On April 8, 2016, Wilshere returned to the field after about 10 months. He started for the U-21 team against Newcastle United. He scored his first goal after coming back from injury against West Brom U-21 about two weeks later. On April 24, Wilshere returned to the Arsenal team against Sunderland. He came on in the 84th minute, replacing Mesut Özil.

Loan and Final Arsenal Years (2016–2018)

Wilshere playing for Arsenal in 2018

On August 31, 2016, Wilshere moved to AFC Bournemouth on a loan for the 2016–17 season. He was given the number 32 shirt. On September 10, 2016, Wilshere played his first game for Bournemouth. He came on as a substitute against West Bromwich Albion. His team won 1–0. Wilshere then won two Player of the Month awards for Bournemouth in November and December 2016. On April 15, 2017, Wilshere suffered another hairline fracture to his left fibula. This happened after a clash with Harry Kane in a match against Tottenham. On April 19, 2017, it was confirmed that Wilshere would miss the rest of the season. He had made 29 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth. He returned to Arsenal for treatment.

During the summer before the 2017–18 season, many clubs wanted to sign Wilshere. But by mid-August, Wenger said he had plans for him that season. On September 15, he played his first game for Arsenal since August 2016. He came on as a substitute against FC Köln in the Europa League. On September 20, Wilshere started his first game in over 16 months against Doncaster Rovers. He played for the full 90 minutes.

On October 22, he played his first Premier League game of the season. He came on as a substitute in a 5–2 win over Everton. He assisted a goal for Aaron Ramsey. On December 7, Wilshere scored his first Arsenal goal in 928 days. Arsenal beat BATE Borisov 6–0 in the Europa League. Wilshere's good performances in the Europa League group stage and an injury to Ramsey led to him starting in the Premier League for Arsenal. This was his first Premier League start since May 2016. It was in the team's 0–0 draw with West Ham United on December 13, 2017. It was also the first time he had played the full 90 minutes in the Premier League for the club since September 2014. On January 3, 2018, in his sixth Premier League start in a row, Wilshere scored his first Premier League goal in two and a half years. This was in a 2–2 home draw with London rivals Chelsea.

On June 19, 2018, Wilshere announced that he would be leaving Arsenal. His contract was ending at the end of the month.

Later Career and Retirement

Wilshere with AFC Bournemouth in 2021

Wilshere signed with Premier League club West Ham United on July 9, 2018. He signed a three-year contract. He played his first game on August 12 in a 4–0 loss to Liverpool. On August 27, 2019, Wilshere scored his first and only goal for the club. It was in a 2–0 win over Newport County in the 2018–19 EFL Cup. His contract was ended by agreement on October 5, 2020. He had one year left on his contract. He spent two years at the club. In just over two years, Wilshere played only 19 games for West Ham. Sixteen of these were in the Premier League. He was often injured during his time there. But he said that sometimes he was fit but not chosen to play. When he left, Wilshere said he believed he could still play at the top level of English football.

On January 18, 2021, Wilshere returned to Bournemouth on a short-term contract. He had been training with the Championship team since December 2020. On January 26, he scored in a 2–1 win over Crawley Town in the FA Cup. This was his first goal in any competition since August 27, 2019. On February 6, he scored his first league goal for AFC Bournemouth. It was in a 3–2 win over Birmingham City. Bournemouth released him at the end of the season. He had played 17 games and scored two goals during his short return to the club.

On February 20, 2022, Wilshere signed with Danish Superliga club AGF. It was an initial short-term contract until the end of the 2021–22 season. Wilshere had been without a club since leaving Bournemouth. He had been training with his former club Arsenal since October 2021. He had also trained with Serie B club Como before that. AGF announced on July 6 that they would not renew Wilshere's contract for the 2022–23 season. Wilshere announced his retirement from football on July 8, 2022, when he was 30 years old.

Playing for England

Youth Teams

Since 2006, Jack Wilshere played for England's youth teams in age groups older than his own. He was only 14 when he played for the England national under-16 team in the 2006 Victory Shield. At 15, he started playing for the England national under-17 team. He was chosen for the squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in May. He started the first two games and played very well against Germany. But he got an injury that kept him out of the final game. After the tournament, he was named one of the 10 future stars from the competition.

On September 11, 2009, he also came on as a substitute for his England under-21 debut. This was against the Netherlands in a 0–0 draw.

Senior National Team

Wilshere (right) making his England debut against Hungary in 2010

On August 7, 2010, Wilshere was called up to the England senior team for the first time. This was for a friendly game against Hungary. He made his England debut in that match on August 11, 2010. He came on as a substitute for Steven Gerrard in the 83rd minute. This made him the 10th-youngest player ever to play for England. He was 18 years and 222 days old.

On February 9, 2011, Wilshere made his first full start for England. This was in a friendly game against Denmark. He played well, even though he was in a new position in front of the defense. Manager Fabio Capello praised him. On March 25, 2011, Wilshere played his first official game for England. It was a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales. He played one more game in the qualifying stage. But he missed the main tournament due to injury.

On February 6, 2013, Wilshere started for England for the first time since 2011. He had recovered from his injury. He was named the best player as England beat Brazil 2–1 at Wembley Stadium. Many people praised Wilshere's performance. This included manager Roy Hodgson, captain Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard. He was part of England's team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He came on as a substitute in England's first game against Italy. He started the final group game against Costa Rica. England was already out of the competition by then.

Wilshere was named the best player in six out of seven UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying matches. He scored his first goals for England in his 28th game. This was on June 14, 2015, in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match away to Slovenia. He scored two goals from long range. England came from behind to win 3–2 in Ljubljana.

Wilshere was chosen for the 2018 friendly games. These were to prepare for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. However, on May 16, 2018, he was not included in Gareth Southgate's team for the tournament.

Coaching Career

On July 11, 2022, just four days after he stopped playing football, Wilshere was announced as the new head coach for the Arsenal under-18 team. In his first season, he led the team to the final of the 2022–23 FA Youth Cup. They lost to West Ham in that final.

On October 23, 2024, Wilshere left Arsenal. He joined EFL Championship club Norwich City as a first-team coach. He worked under the head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup. On April 22, 2025, he was named interim manager of the club. This happened after Thorup was fired and his assistant Glen Riddersholm also left the club.

How Jack Wilshere Played

Wilshere (in red) battles with Gennaro Gattuso during Arsenal's match against AC Milan in 2010

As a player, Wilshere was known for his movement and how well he saw the game. He was also good at passing and working with teammates. He showed leadership on the field. Arsène Wenger said he had "Spanish technique, but an English heart." Owen Coyle, who was Bolton's manager when Wilshere was on loan there, praised his ability to "tackle and take a knock." This was impressive because he wasn't very tall. However, Arsenal's head of youth development, Liam Brady, noted that Wilshere sometimes had problems with his temper early in his career.

Wilshere played in many different positions. These included attacking midfielder, winger, and most often, a deep-lying central midfielder. Wenger said that Wilshere was "a box-to-box player," meaning he played all over the midfield. Wilshere's playing style was often compared to former Arsenal midfielder Liam Brady. Brady himself said Wilshere was the latest in a line of skilled English players like Glenn Hoddle and Wayne Rooney.

After he came back from injury in the 2012–13 season, many respected players praised Wilshere. They talked about his performances and potential. Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves called Wilshere "a great player." He compared Wilshere's potential to Barcelona legends Andrés Iniesta and Xavi. Former Manchester United and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said Wilshere was "one of the best players there are" in his position. And Borussia Dortmund and Germany forward Marco Reus called him "a perfect player."

Former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso said about Wilshere: "He might not be super fast but he's got great skills, he's very technical. When he gets the ball he knows exactly where to send it... he has the mentality of an English player but plays like a Spanish player." Even with all his talent, he often struggled with injuries throughout his career. Many experts believe these injuries limited how great he could have become.

Personal Life

On September 26, 2013, Wilshere's partner, Lauren Neal, had their second child. Wilshere and Neal separated in 2014. In 2017, he married Andriani Michael.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

International Appearances and Goals

England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Wilshere goal

List of international goals scored by Jack Wilshere

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref.
1	14 June 2015	Stožice Stadium, Ljubljana, Slovenia	28	Slovenia	1–1	3–2	UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
2					2–1

Managerial Statistics

Honours and Awards

As a Player

Arsenal U18

• FA Youth Cup: 2008–09

Arsenal

• FA Cup: 2013–14, 2014–15
• FA Community Shield: 2014
• Football League/EFL Cup runner-up: 2010–11, 2017–18

Individual Awards

• BBC Goal of the Season: 2013–14, 2014–15
• PFA Young Player of the Year: 2010–11
• PFA Team of the Year: 2010–11 Premier League
• Arsenal Player of the Season: 2010–11

As a Manager

Arsenal U18

• FA Youth Cup runner up: 2022–23

See also

In Spanish: Jack Wilshere para niños