elastico superfly green Walcott bagged two first-half goals as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners against Basle to take the Gunners joint top with Paris St Germain in Group A.

The 27-year-old took his recent tally to four goals in three games, having scored in wins over Hull and Chelsea.

And on the back of another impressive performance, Arsenal boss Wenger feels that Southgate, who was placed in charge of England for the next four games following Sam Allardyce’s departure, may have an early selection headache.

Wenger said: “The best recommendation is his performances. It’s difficult to ignore him if you see him playing tonight. But I will leave that to Southgate now.”

The Arsenal manager also credited the hard work of Walcott as well as his self-acknowledgement of his value in the side.

Asked if a private chat with Walcott was the reason for his form, Wenger replied: “Look, it’s not the chat that makes you score goals. He assessed well where he stands, and rectified well what he had to add to his game.

“That’s 95 per cent down to him. It was a game of top quality in the first half, the pace and technical quality of our movement. We created a lot of opportunities. I regret a bit we didn’t take enough of the chances we created, but it’s a good basis to have a thirst for more.

“In the second half we eased a bit off, couldn’t score the third goal, but it’s hard to maintain that pace and accuracy in the passing and speed of the game for 90 minutes. The first half was top, top quality like we produced against Chelsea.

“It’s down to hard work, but also to belief. Belief comes with the last few results. The confidence comes from the last few results.

X 16.1 purechao black “We hadn’t beat Chelsea at home for a few games, and now it looks like we’re playing with full power and pace. Now it’s about continuing to improve. We know we can be better. That will be down to humility, starting tomorrow morning again and focusing on the next game.”

16.3 Primemesh black The Frenchman offered his take on the Allardyce’s exit as England manager on Tuesday evening, just 67 days and one match into the role.

Wenger, who was linked to the England job during the summer, admitted he was flattered to be linked but, despite entering the final year of his contract at Arsenal, his priority lies with the Gunners.

Mercurial Superfly V black He added: “It’s a huge surprise. Who could have predicted that 48 hours ago? Nobody. But the English game is always full of surprises.

MercurialX Proximo II “Of course. But my priority has always been this club. Until the end of this season I’m here. And I am completely focused on that.

“My priority is always Arsenal FC and I have to assess how well I do until the end of the season.”

Basle manager Urs Fischer said: “There are a few things we have to improve, not only defending but opening up the game. We made too many mistakes and we were not precise enough. The second half was better for us but it could have been 3-0 before that. If we have a chance to score at 2-1, we have to take it.”