Liverpool star ‘given a boost’ by manager to get more regular football

Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was selected by England manager Gareth Southgate for the last international break to ‘give him a boost’.

The England squad was announced today with three Liverpool players being included, however Oxlade-Chamberlain misses out for selection.

Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez have all been included in the Three Lions squad by manager Gareth Southgate who took time to address Oxlade-Chamberlain’s omission and the reason for his inclusion in the previous squad.

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Southgate is quoted as saying:

“Last month we brought him back earlier than he probably would have been in a squad. He hadn’t had a lot of football, but we wanted him to know that he’s been in our thoughts; reintegrate him with the group & give him a boost as he gets towards regular football.”

Many were surprised at the time that The Ox had been called up after barely playing since returning from a year out with injury. That decision makes more sense now as a piece of player management rather than performance reward.

He will miss the European Qualifiers against Czech Republic and Bulgaria as Southgate made a number of dramatic cuts; also leaving out Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur and Jesse Lingard of Manchester United, both have been regulars under this manager.

Speaking about Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future international prospects the England boss said:

“He’s only had a couple of games since then. The first game back after the international break and then the League Cup tie. The season hasn’t quite got going for him yet but we’re expecting him to challenge in the coming months.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain will have a golden opportunity to prove his form at the end of the month as Liverpool will face his former club Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.