Among those players looking to slug it out for a place in the England team are Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling and Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The competition for places is heating up as the World Cup approaches ever nearer, and with a limited number of seats available on the flight to Brazil, Premier League superstars are now in the last minute rush to ensure their ticket to Sambaland.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has found playing time limited this season due to a major injury that he suffered early in the season. Since his return, barring the one virtuoso display against Crystal Palace where he won Arsenal the game with two late goals, he has largely been lackluster. In fact, in 295 minutes of Premier League football that he has managed so far this season, he has managed to create just 3 chances.
Although he has showed glimpses of potential this season, for a player of his ability and reputation, he has looked a bit off color this season barring few games. Games have largely passed him by and he has failed to make an impact in the limited opportunities that he has had. However, with still two months to go before the final decision is taken, Oxlade-Chamberlain has a chance of turning his season around and making enough of a mark on England manager Roy Hodgson to ensure a berth in the squad.
Check out some of Ox’s stats for this season:
Sterling has been the standout young English player this season without a doubt. He has earned himself a place in the Liverpool starting lineup on the merit of his performances this season. He has shown that the faith shown in him by manager Brendan Rodgers is not misplaced by becoming an integral part of the Liverpool offensive unit.
He has used his pace and trickery to good effect this season and has created 32 chances so far in 1502 minutes of Premier League action. To top it off, he has shown that he has the instincts to get into the right areas and finish off chances by scoring 6 goals. He showed great understanding with fellow youth international Luke Shaw down the left flank in the friendly against Denmark as he deservedly picked up the man of the match award.
Check out some of Sterling’s stats for this season:
With all due respect Oxlade-Chamberlain on a neutral point of view has not done enough to warrant a place in the England side, albeit due to injury problems, but Raheem Sterling’s performances this season deserve a place in the squad and if Wednesday’s game is any indication, the former Liverpool manager might actually decide to start with Liverpool’s rising star. Barring any injury problems, Sterling’s ticket is all but booked.
Stats courtesy of squawka
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