Jack Wilshere was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire and lived in nearby Hitchin, where he grew up and captained his school team. He captained The Priory School football team to County Cup and District Cup glory from Year 7 through to Year 10, and also added the Under 15s National Cup to his list in Year 8.
Wilshere joined the Arsenal Academy in 2001 at the age of nine, after a short spell in the Luton Town youth programme. He rose through the ranks, and at the age of 15 was named the captain of the under-16s; he also made a few appearances for the under-18s.
It wasn’t long before the midfielder was making an impact in the Gunners’ first team, making his debut in 2008 aged just 16 years 256 days – meaning he is the club’s youngest ever league debutant. First team opportunities continued to fall Wilshere’s way, and a loan move to Bolton Wanderers in 2010 followed. He flourished during his time with the Trotters, making 14 appearances.
That loan spell gave him the foundation for plenty of success with the Gunners, totalling 197 appearances in all competitions in total, winning the 2010/11 PFA Young Player of the Year and two FA Cup winners medals.
After making appearances for the England under-16s, 17s, 19s and 21s, Wilshere made his senior Three Lions debut aged just 18 years and 222 days in a friendly against Hungary. His first start came in February 2011 against Denmark and he has won 34 caps in total for his country.
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