Wayne Rooney has nearly 100 international appearances for England and is transitioning into their elder statesman as the new captain.
"He's a natural leader," Wilshere is quoted as saying by The Sunday People. "You can see that. Even when Steven Gerrard was captain, Rooney was a big voice in the dressing room.
"He gets everyone going, he encourages and he's not scared to tell you when you're doing something wrong.
"He's the only one now who has been playing for England for 10 years, with the likes of Gerrard. He's been through that generation.
"Now it really feels like he's the dad figure, if you like. He puts his arm around us, brings us together and gets us going.
"Ever since I came into the squad he was like that. He's just a natural leader. He loves the game. He's first out to training. You can tell his hunger has never changed. It's refreshing to see."