Wilshere has not played for his country since winning the last of his 34 caps during the Euro 2016 second-round defeat against Iceland in Nice, but his return to action for Arsenal this season had led to calls for the 25-year-old to regain his place in the senior squad.

Arsene Wenger spoke on Wednesday of Wilshere being ready to return to England set-up, but while Southgate is an admirer of the midfielder, he believes that the player is yet to build up the necessary match fitness in order win an international recall.

Wilshere, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, has made just six appearances this season for Arsenal, with just one of those coming in the Premier League -- a 13-minute substitute outing against Everton 10 days ago.

Southgate will continue to monitor Wilshere's progress at Arsenal, with a call-up for the spring friendlies -- anticipated to be against the Netherlands and Italy -- under consideration should he avoid further injury setbacks.

But with Wilshere set to miss out when Southgate announces his squad, there will be a place for Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks following his impressive debut against Lithuania in Vilnius last month.

Southgate watched Winks in action for Spurs against Real Madrid in the Champions League at Wembley on Wednesday night having chosen to retain the 21-year-old in his squad.