Euro 2016

Arsene Wenger backs Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to make Euro 2016

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 31 January 2016

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is too harsh on himself and backs the midfielder to make England's Euro 2016 squad.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to be included in England's squad for the European Championship this summer.

The 22-year-old has struggled to nail down a regular first-team spot with the Gunners so far this season, despite a number of players in his position suffering with injuries.

There were murmurs of discontent around the Emirates Stadium over his performance in Saturday's FA Cup victory over Burnley, but Wenger believes that the midfielder is too harsh on himself.

"I didn't especially feel that, but maybe he misses a goal. I think he is physically there, he worked very hard in training, worked on his fitness and I feel he has the resources to go in one against one," Wenger told reporters.

"He gave an assist on the second goal, but he is harsh with himself. I think [he is too hard on himself]. It is not so much a lack of confidence, but he has a high expectation level that he is very demanding of his own performances.

"He is 22, and we forget that these guys are still very young. He is going into the age where he will be really efficient and I think he will make the Euros."

The Gunners will return to Premier League action at home to Southampton on Tuesday evening.