• Premier League

Oxlade-Chamberlain targets World Cup place

ESPN staff
January 8, 2014
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is keen to fill the void left by Theo Walcott © Getty Images
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in full training with Arsenal and has set his sights on securing a place in England's World Cup squad.

The long-term knee injury suffered by Theo Walcott during Saturday's FA Cup third round win against Tottenham was a blow to both the Gunners and England, and Oxlade-Chamberlain is eager to fill the void left his team-mate.

"As a young guy, I grew up watching World Cups, and this will be my first [that he can play in]," Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal Player.

"I went to Euro 2012, which was an amazing experience and that was a massive achievement for me personally, especially as an 18-year-old. That was really special.

"The World Cup is always that little bit more special because it is the world stage. If I was able to be selected and go to Brazil, it would be a dream come true and something that I am striving towards.

"For now, I am just focused on getting back in the Arsenal team and helping us do well this season."

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky believes the Gunners have the experience to cope with a push for the Premier League title after what was a "bumpy" run of form last month.

"It was a bit bumpy when we lost [6-3] against Manchester City and drew [1-1] against Everton, but you will always have phases like that in a year so that's nothing new," he said.

"This team has more experience than it did in the past. I think we have the maturity to do it this year."

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