Hodgson Declares Oxlade-Chamberlain Fit Ahead of World Cup
Oladunjoye Opeyemi
England manager, Roy Hodgson has said midfielder, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had suffered knee ligament damage in England’s 2-2 draw with Ecuador on Wednesday, will be fit for the World Cup finals.
Speaking after Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Honduras – their final warm-up game – Hodgson confirmed the 20-year-old would remain part of his plans.
“I think he will make the tournament without a shadow of a doubt. That’s good news,” said Hodgson.
“Honduras were quite physical and it was one of the most frustrating games I have been involved in for a long time.I thought the tempo of our play and effort to score in the second half was commendable. I will take the draw and take the fact we got away without any injuries. We go to Brazil in the right frame of mind.
“It’s time for the real thing now.”
Captain Steven Gerrard also said he was relieved England had avoided injuries so close to the tournament.
“There were some horrific tackles a week before the World Cup, But we have got another 90 minutes under our belts in hot conditions. We could have done better but there’s a week to go and we will be ready.”
