Shearer wants Arsenal's Chamberlain at Euros

07 March 2012 14:47

Alan Shearer has backed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to gatecrash England's European Championship squad after the winger's latest sensational performance for Arsenal.

The clamour for the uncapped Oxlade-Chamberlain to earn a wildcard spot in Poland and Ukraine reached fever pitch on Tuesday night when the 18-year-old produced an outstanding first-half display in Arsenal's 3-0 win over AC Milan, laying on the first goal and winning the penalty for the third to give his side real hope of overturning their 4-0 first-leg deficit.

Shearer said: "I was really, really impressed with him last night, and have been whenever he's put an Arsenal shirt on - I have to say that. Let's face it, he was playing an experienced AC Milan side last night and was probably one of the best players on the pitch, which bodes well for England."

He added: "It's a similar situation to Theo Walcott but I'd say he probably looks more comfortable then Theo did when he was at that age.

"If he keep on improving then why not take him?"

While Oxlade-Chamberlain's team-mate Walcott did not kick a ball in anger after his shock call-up for the 2006 World Cup, England have a history of youngsters taking tournaments by storm, with Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney all shining in their first appearance on the big stage.

Shearer added: "It's a fine balance, isn't it?

"It's a balance between taking a guy too early, like in the case of Theo Walcott.

"But, on the other hand, if they've got the ability and they're proving that week in, week out, then why not take him?"

Source: PA