Roy Hodgson has revealed he would be surprised if doctors advised him to call up a replacement for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Arsenal forward suffered medial ligament damage during England’s 2-2 draw with Ecuador last week, and it was initially expected that this would rule him out of the World Cup Finals. Indeed, discussion were held around the country about who would replace the former Southampton youngster, with Everton’s John Stones and Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan believed to have been in direct competition.
However, speaking after the rather drab goalless draw with Honduras in Miami on Saturday evening, Hodgson gave an upbeat assessment on the progress being made by Oxlade-Chamberlain. And it now looks as though the 20-year-old will recover in time to be confirmed as part of the final 23-man squad, with the England coach revealing he’d be surprised if he was advised otherwise.
“Everyone is fit,” said Hodgson. “Oxlade-Chamberlain is making big strides forward, I’d be very surprised if the doctors tell us he wouldn’t be capable of playing a part in the tournament. That’s what we are hoping for. But there are still a few assessments to be made on him. I wouldn’t want to suggest that is a stonewall certainty.”
The clash with the Hondurans was England’s final warm-up match before the fly out to Brazil, ahead of their opening match with Italy next Saturday. The Three Lions have won one and drawn two of their pre-tournament friendlies, but Hodgson is relatively satisfied with the way his players are shaping up.
“I think the team was first class and we go to Brazil now with three weeks’ good preparation,” he said. “I’ve got to say these warm-up games, they don’t necessarily answer a lot of questions. You ask and answer your own questions over a long period of time. These warm-up games are just a way of getting yourself to Rio and the real tournament, the real football begins. I’m happy we are going there in good spirits and the players have done all that we have asked them.”
