Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has admitted that England will miss Rio Ferdinand's "experience" during their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.
Manchester United defender Ferdinand withdrew from the squad earlier today after concerns had been raised over his training regime following a number of battles with a back injury.
"It is really disappointing for us. Rio is obviously an amazing footballer who plays for a club like Manchester United so the experience that he could bring to us from his club team would have been really good for us," Oxlade-Chamberlain told Sky Sports News.
However, the Arsenal winger also stated his belief that the Three Lions would cope without the 34-year-old.
"The players that will come in and the players that we have in the squad are more than capable of doing the role and filling in with good quality. I'm sure we will be okay," he added.
Steven Caulker, who has one cap to his name, has been selected as Ferdinand's replacement.
Liam Apicella
