Oxlade-Chamberlain target World Cup place

Arsenal winger Oxlade-Chamberlain has admitted the thought of making England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup kept him motivated after suffering a knee injury at the start of the this season. The youngster tore his cruciate ligament in Arsenal’s opening game of the season against Aston Villa, forcing Oxlade-Chamberlain to sit as watch the first five months of the season from the sidelines.

With Oxlade-Chamberlain now back fully fit and rejoining an Arsenal team currently top of the Premier League table, the 20-year old has admitted he is looking forward to helping his club win some silverware this season. The youngster is also hoping on doing enough for Arsenal to book his place a place in Roy Hodgson’s 23-man England squad for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

“It’s a huge year for us (Arsenal) and I’m determined to play my part in the run-in and hopefully add something different to the team. And, of course, at the end of the season there is the possibility of going to the World Cup with England, which is another thing motivating me,” said the former Southampton prodigy.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return to the side was a timely boost to Arsene Wenger following the news that Theo Walcott’s knee injury will keep him out of action for the rest of the season, helping keep the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes with Betfair punters. And Walcott’s injury could also boost his team-mate’s chances of making this summer’s England squad.

The tricky winger could be a very useful player to have in this summer’s World Cup squad, capable of perhaps changing a game with his pace and taking advantage of tiring defenders. It remains to be seen whether Oxlade-Chamberlain can help England come through their tough group stage in Brazil, his inclusion may convince some Betfair fans to back the team to reach the latter stages of the tournament.