Oxlade-Chamberlain Clueless About Wonder Goal

Oxlade-Chamberlain Clueless About Wonder Goal

Arsenal winger, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his way into the England setup after then newly-appointed coach, Roy Hodgson, included him in England’s 23 man squad for Euro 2012. The 19-year-old has gone on to make 11 appearances at international level, and got his twelfth cap for his country against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro two nights ago.

After coming on as a substitute to replace full-back Glen Johnson around the 60 minute mark, the winger breathed a new lease of life into England as they chased the game. Within six minutes of coming on, Oxlade-Chamberlain silenced the home crowd after he drilled a low volley past Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar to make it 1-1.


His father Mark Chamberlain had coincidentally played on the same ground 29 years ago for England, helping the Three Lions beat Brazil 2-0 in a friendly. Even though the Ox won’t be able to put one over his dad as England succumbed to a late equaliser to draw 2-2, he did score a crucial goal to inject belief in the England side, who were thoroughly outplayed in the first half.

According to Metro, the winger has revealed that he cannot remember anything about his wonder strike. The report suggests that the teenager underwent an ‘out-of-body’ experience as he failed to recollect how the ball landed up in the back of the net.

He said, “They say every goal is a good goal but I can’t remember how it went in or how it got in. I will have to mention it to my Dad! I try and be pretty modest. I don’t score many goals so I’m happy to have a little celebration about this one. It’s a great venue to score in. It’s a nice bit of history. It’s an achievement after my Dad did it.”

Prior to his goal against Brazil, Oxlade-Chamberlain had scored two goals for his country, both coming in separate thrashings of minnows San Marino. The former Southampton graduate has had an inconsistent season for the Gunners, scoring just once in 25 league appearance.

He admits that he needs to be more versatile and consistent if he wants his England career to progress. The England international is suited to playing on the wings, but can also play in midfield.

He said, “I grew up as a more natural midfielder, so whenever I get the opportunity to come on in midfield I try to do so. When the opportunities come I’ve got to try and show I can take them and that I’ve got another side to my game.”

You have to like Oxlade-Chamberlain he is highly-skilled, technically good and quietly confident plus he has that x-factor about him which can change a game. We can look forward to many more bits of magic from him in the seasons to come.