Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has backed Theo Walcott to succeed as a centre-forward for club and country. Walcott has made little secret of his desire to play as an advanced striker having plied his trade on the right wing for the vast majority of his career at Arsenal.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has begun to use the 26-year-old through the middle with increasing regularity, most notably in last season’s FA Cup Final win over Aston Villa at Wembley.
However, Walcott has had to contend with many sceptics doubting whether he has sufficient versatility to become an expert in the role, even though England manager Roy Hodgson named him as one of four forwards for the squad to face San Marino on Saturday and Switzerland next Tuesday.
But Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “I think being selected as a striker is a credit to him as a player and his versatility. He can easily drop back and play in midfield and he can play up front. His goalscoring record proves that he has always got goals in him.
“He is a different threat in terms of going in behind and the amazing runs that he can make gives the opposition something else to think about. I have no doubt that Theo can play up front or in midfield as well. I think his form for club and country over the long career that he has had so far proves why he is ready. His goalscoring record proves why he is ready to play up front. All I can say is he is a great player.”
While it is a pivotal moment in Walcott’s career, Oxlade-Chamberlain is also facing a challenging time of his own. The 22-year-old was unable to play any part for England at the World Cup in Brazil as he struggled with a knee injury and failed to start an Arsenal game after March 9 last season due to ongoing hamstring and groin problems.
However, Oxlade-Chamberlain has featured in all four Premier League games this season and will aim to improve on a record of two goals in three matches against San Marino.
“It is definitely a big season for me,” he said. “I have started off as well as I can in terms of fitness. I had a good pre-season and got through all training sessions so far. I am feeling good so fingers crossed that I can stay fit this year.
“I am working really hard at that and the main aim is just to try and make sure I am available for all the games for both club and country if possible and then the rest is up to me. If I get given the opportunity to go on the pitch, I need to perform well.”
