Wenger hails Campbell for England

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed match-winner Sol Campbell and tipped the defender to return for England following Monday's 2-0 triumph over Everton.

Campbell, plagued by injuries over the past year, headed two first-half goals in his opening Premier League game of the season.

"He's a leader," said Wenger, who has lost captain Thierry Henry to injury and sold former skipper Patrick Vieira to Juventus in the close season.

"I rushed him back a bit because losing Vieira, Henry and Campbell was too much in terms of experience. I was uncertain about his fitness but he's remarkably fit," Wenger told reporters.

Campbell's return to top form followed a period of self-doubt for the defender after his injury problems and the resulting loss of his England place.

"When you're a competitor and there's no competition you're frustrated and it affects you mentally," Wenger said. "At some stage you wonder how good you still are.

"But I feel his hunger and his desire to come back for us, first, but for England as well. He's a proud man and when his pride is touched his competitiveness becomes very sharp."

Wenger clearly believes Campbell, who turned 31 on Sunday, is ready to resume international duties as England prepare for their World Cup qualifiers next month against Austria and Poland.

"It's a big season for every player between 28 and 32 in a World Cup year because they think 'if I miss this one, it could be dangerous for me'," said Wenger.

"He has experience and physical power that nobody else has."

Commenting on the goals, Wenger said: "Don't forget he started out as a centre-forward when he was young and sometimes he reminds people of that."

Campbell said: "I want to be back in (for England), that's one of my main goals, I've got to keep going.

"There was one chance for a hat-trick but two is fine. Last season there was frustration but it's great getting back and being out there and happy and getting stronger with my game."

As for Arsenal's performance, following a wobbly start which featured two defeats and two wins in their previous four league games, Wenger said: "I feel the team is back focused, with belief, disciplined and sharp."

Everton boss David Moyes, whose side lost this fixture 7-0 last season, said: "We've come here before and been opened up more than we were tonight so I have to take positives from that.

"Unfortunately we couldn't make any opportunities whatsoever that might have got us back in, which we're disappointed at."