Having failed to make even the 23-man squad during November’s international break, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s seemingly perfect suitability to Gareth Southgate’s game-plan as England took on the Netherland and Italy was one of the biggest positives from the Three Lions’ last two friendlies. Perhaps it’s Murphy’s Law then, that the Liverpool midfielder has now been ruled out for the rest of the season and the World Cup.
And with the engine room representing such a huge problem area for England, one where the variety of options only highlights the lack of hugely convincing ones, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s absence leaves Southgate facing key decisions over not only the personnel but also the structure and tactics of his team. Dynamism and the ability to launch counter-attacks from all departments was so crucial to England’s last two performances, which the former Arsenal younger’s explosive style naturally epitomised.
The likes of Adam Lallana and Jack Wilshere share Oxlade-Chamberlain’s creativity, but lack his forward drive. Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier match his physicality, but can’t compliment it with similar attacking prowess. Yet, while injury has unfortunately closed the World Cup door for Oxlade-Chamberlain, returning from the sidelines has opened it for another – Chelsea’s on-loan hotshot Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Like Oxlade-Chamberlain, Loftus-Cheek boasts that impressive mix of attacking flair and physicality, which has made him a crucial driving force in Crystal Palace’s midfield when fit this season. The 22-year-old showed how influential he can be once again on Saturday too in arguably the Eagles’ most important result of the campaign, the one that sent down Stoke City and secured their Premier League survival with a 2-1 win at the Bet365 Stadium.
In fact, it was Loftus-Cheek who created Palace’s first goal, supplying James McArthur for the equaliser after Xherdan Shaqiri’s free kick had given the home side an early lead. But that was just the tip of the iceberg in an incredibly dynamic performance that saw the 6 foot 3 midfielder complete the most dribbles and win the most interceptions of any player on the pitch.
Of course, Loftus-Cheek still lacks experience, especially at senior international level with just two caps to date. But he’s well-acquainted with Southgate as one of the Junior Lions’ more impressive performers in recent years, and much like Oxlade-Chamberlain – who Transfermarkt value at £27million – he appears perfectly suited in style, sharing that ability to drive forward from central areas to instigate counter-attacks.
So, England fans, do you see Loftus-Cheek as the perfect replacement for Oxlade-Chamberlain in midfield? Let us know by voting below…
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