Midweek Sport

Euro surprise star Alex is ready to take on the World

- By IAN WINROW

Style

ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAI­N has challenged England to wrap up World Cup qualificat­ion in double quick time.

The Arsenal teenager is an internatio­nal newcomer – but has wasted no time setting standards for his more senior colleagues.

And he insists there can be no complacenc­y when England travel to Moldova.

The wide man said: “You want qualifying wrapped up as soon as you can so we’ll be looking to push every game.

“Whether it’s Brazil or Moldova, we prepare for every game the same and will be going out to win.”

Oxlade-Chamberlai­n was a surprise starter at Euro 2012 when England went out to Italy on penalties in the quarter-finals.

But the Moldova match will mark his first steps in a qualifying campaign and he is determined to make his mark.

He said: “I don’t know what to expect but I know it will be tough. They will have different qualities and we have to adapt.

“You can never rest on your laurels and being involved in the Euros has inspired me. You just want to be the best you can be.

“I didn’t expect to be involved as much as I was. I went there expecting to learn from people like Steven Gerrard and gain experience.

“So to even get the nod to start a game was a massive honour. But once you’ve started games, you want to carry on starting games.”

Roy Hodgson handed the former Southampto­n youngster his big chance – and Oxlade-Chamberlai­n is desperate to repay the Three Lions boss.

He claims Hodgson has made it easy for him to settle in and has handed the youngster a massive boost by giving him licence to turn on the style. The FREEDOM: Roy Hodgson Arsenal man said: “Roy gives you the freedom to add flair to the game and express yourself, which is great for a player like me.

“It’s great to have a coach who lets you enjoy yourself and he’s a good man off the pitch as well.

“He’s very approachab­le and you can chat to him about anything – even your holidays.”

The 19-year-old is contracted to Arsenal for another four years – but club boss Arsene Wenger is keen to reward him for breaking into the starting line-up.

And Oxlade-Chamberlai­n is ready to sign whatever deal is put in front of him.

He said: “If Arsenal want to sit down and talk, that’s really good.

“I’m planning on being there for a while, but right now I am focusing on playing for England.”

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