Jack Wilshere set for England recall for friendlies with the Netherlands and Italy

The 26-year-old has not played for his country since Euro 2016

Jack Wilshere hasn't played for England since Euro 2016 (AFP)

Jack Wilshere is set for an England recall when Gareth Southgate names his squad for the pre-World Cup friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy on Thursday.

The 26-year-old has not played for his country since the embarrassing Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland but has impressed after winning back his club place with Arsenal.

Wilshere's likely return comes amid concern over Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who will be sidelined until next month after preliminary assessments showed damage to the lateral ligaments in his right ankle.

While Kane's absence will be a blow to Southgate, the striker is clearly determined that his latest setback will not affect his chances of going to Russia.

"Disappointing to be out until next month but injuries are part of the game," Kane wrote on Twitter. "Will do everything I can to get back out there asap."

Kane aside, Southgate's attacking options have increased with the fine form of Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, as well as Danny Welbeck's return to the Arsenal front-line.

Among the uncapped players looking to land call-ups are Callum Wilson, Glenn Murray and Ashley Barnes, while Joe Hart's lack of Premier League game time this season has led to calls in some quarters to elevate the in-form Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope.