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BSP-05
FBL-EURO-2020-ENG-BUL
Oxlade-Chamberlain relishes England return after injury woe
LONDON, Sept 6, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is relishing his
return to the England squad after realising how much the national team mean
to their fans during his injury lay-off.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has missed England’s last three appearances at major
tournaments through injury, but he is finally fit and has been named in the
squad for Saturday’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria and next week’s
clash against Kosovo.
The Liverpool midfielder would dearly love to feature if England qualify
for next year’s European Championships, because his time on the sidelines
gave him a fresh perspective of how the nation lives and breathes Three Lions
campaigns.
When Gareth Southgate’s team went to Russia for their run to the World Cup
semi-finals last year, he was ruled out by a serious knee injury.
But Oxlade-Chamberlain didn’t turn his back on the side and watched one of
their matches against Belgium from a Boxpark bar in east London.
Attempting to go undercover in glasses and a hat, Oxlade-Chamberlain was
quickly recognised but he embraced the moment and the fans’ passion.
“That was the first time I’ve ever watched a match with fans of my team, if
that makes sense,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told reporters at England’s training
base.
“I’m either always in the stadium or at home. I was shocked. I’ve never
been to a pub where there’s a bunch of Liverpool fans or Arsenal fans and
watched it with them, never been to a pub with England fans to see what it
means to them and it was surreal.
“I could see my mates on the screen doing what I usually do and how
everyone around them was reacting. I was almost idolising them as well. Just
seeing what they were doing and what that created around me I was like, ‘Oh
my God, do I really do that?’
“What it created was special. To see that first hand, in that environment,
wasn’t what I expected. It was a moment where I realised – I can’t swear –
I’ve missed out on something big here. Seeing what it meant to people.
“People rushing in from work with their shirts and ties on, it was like the
whole nation was watching. I met a couple of doctors there, a couple of boys
from the city, a couple of plumbers; all came into Boxpark.
“It was just mayhem and meant so much to everyone. I’d never seen that
first hand, so it was really special and a reminder of what it means to play
for England and how special that is.”
– ‘Written in the stars’ –
Southgate’s men are firmly favoured to reach Euro 2020 after winning their
opening two qualifiers and Oxlade-Chamberlain admits he is already dreaming
of playing in the event, which will be staged in a host of countries across
Europe including England.
“That would be great. I think the boys did themselves proud to create the
environment where people have more belief and more of a connection with this
young set of players,” he said.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has made two starts for Liverpool this season, the 26-
year-old showing signs he is finally back to his best after damaging cruciate
and medial knee ligaments in a 2018 Champions League semi-final victory over
Roma.
His fitness issues have robbed him off two Champions League final
appearances with Liverpool, but helping England win Euro 2020 would make
amends.
“I think it’s written in the stars for me to score the winner at Euro
2020,” he said with a smile.
“I guess I have been unlucky with the timings of my injuries but I have
been lucky enough to play 32 times for England and looking at the squad now I
am one of the longest-serving players.
“Both Arsenal and Liverpool have given me a platform to play for England,
so I consider that lucky too.
“The timing of the injuries was unlucky but boys have injuries that stop
them playing full stop. I have had the opportunity to come back.”
BSS/AFP/GMR/0900 hrs