• Euro 2012

Sagna tips Ox and Walcott to star for England at Euros

Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott have been backed for success © Getty Images

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Bacary Sagna believes Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can be the "joker in the pack" for England at this summer's Euro 2012 tournament.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 18, was a surprise selection in Roy Hodgson's squad for next month's competition in Poland and Ukraine. Sagna insists Oxlade-Chamberlain, who signed for the Gunners from Southampton last year, can have a dramatic impact on England's campaign.

"Alex Chamberlain came from a smaller team and I didn't know him that well but he has been amazing," Sagna told . "He plays the game his way and he can be the joker in the pack for England. I'm looking forward to seeing him start some games."

Oxlade-Chamberlain's selection was reminscent of Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott's inclusion in the 2006 World Cup squad as 17-year-old. Walcott has received criticism for his progress since making his England debut, but Sagna believes the striker is now ready to shine on the international stage.

"Theo and Alex can be the best players in the world because they have such an ability to play football," said Sagna. "They are not scared to play and both started really young.

"Theo Walcott had a lot of pressure on him from a young age. He had a lot of pressure on him when he joined up with the national team for the first time at the age of 17. I know it is not easy to deal with but he did quite well. Of course he had to cope with a lot of criticism but he was younger then and he has a lot of maturity now.

"He was one of our main players this year along with Robin van Persie, scoring goals and creating assists and he can play a big, big part for the English national team this summer."

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