‘England axe was wake-up call’

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he has woken up to his “special” England place after never speaking to Sam Allardyce during his 67-day reign as the national team manager.

The Arsenal winger missed out on Allardyce’s only squad in charge of England for their first World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in September, while a knee injury ruled him out of Euro 2016 earlier this summer. 

England interim manager Gareth Southgate named Oxlade-Chamberlain in his 23-man party for the upcoming fixtures against Malta at Wembley on Saturday and Tuesday’s trip to Slovenia though, and the Gunners midfielder admitted Allardyce’s lack of communication has had a positive effect on him. 

“It provided a kick up the backside,” said the 23-year-old. “I have been playing for England since I was 18 and while I wouldn’t say I took it all for granted it just seemed to be a part of my season – to play for Arsenal and to play for England.

“And so to be available and to be feeling good and fit – to not be in, yeah, it was a jolt.

“It was a wake-up call. I am not young now, I am 23, so you need to be performing and playing as much as you can to deserve a chance to go and play for England.

“So I wouldn’t say I had taken it for granted but being …

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