England might have made it to the World Cup in 2018 but they certainly did not look like world beaters as they slogged to defeat Slovenia 1-0.
A late Harry Kane goal was enough for Gareth Southgate’s men but it should have been a lot more. The English side were poor, there is no doubting that, and one man in particular was having a real poor night, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The former Arsenal man has seen a dramatic dip in form ever since he moved from the Emirates to Anfield and he had another stinker at Wembley. It was not a surprise that the Red was taken off by Southgate with Jesse Lingard replacing him but the Manchester United man didn’t do much in the game either.
Truth be told, the performance by almost every English player was poor and only the Ox cannot be blamed for a rather meek showing.
Things did get a little heated up on Twitter as a lot of fans had a go at the Ox and hopefully, his performances get better once he returns to play for Liverpool.
When Martial can’t get in the France team but Oxlade Chamberlain starts for England. Just shows the issues.
— Chalky (@IKnowMyFootball) October 6, 2017
BREAKING: After announcing the Kenny Dalglish Stand, Liverpool say plans to name the bench after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are TBC
Boom pic.twitter.com/dV5Ob2Hto3
— NOW TV Sport (@NOWTVSport) October 6, 2017
The fact Oxlade-Chamberlain is starting for England tells you everything about English mentality. Quick & strong, you’ve got half a chance
— Luke Carr (@LukeCarr_) October 5, 2017
£40m would’ve been a steal with 3 years left on his contract. To have wringed that out of Klopp with 11 months to go is mental. #Oxlade
— Programmeaneeanbook® (@gjpw71) October 5, 2017
Just a thought, we should have really invested the Oxlade-Chamberlain money into buying a CB or a DM. Pointless signing.
— Anfield Express (@AnfieldExpress) October 5, 2017
Oxlade Chamberlain the new David Bentley
— Angel 13 (@janthirt) October 5, 2017
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain took his frustrations out by kicking a water bottle when he came off. It went wide… pic.twitter.com/UQCkUwD7DV
— Gooner Nick (@NickVann1987) October 5, 2017
the highlight of this game was the cameraman zooming in on Oxlade-Chamberlain as he spat on himself lol
— Ellen (@nosnhojnelle) October 5, 2017
Lets take a look at Oxlade-Chamberlain’s heat-map from tonight…#ENGSLO #WCQ2018 pic.twitter.com/ToWKmdGFDy
— (@AL99JR) October 5, 2017
Pitch invader had more impact than Oxlade Chamberlain
— . (@HakunahMorata) October 5, 2017
Imagine being a footballer and being replaced by Jesse Lingard. Welcome to the life of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
— Timo Werner FC (@Kolasaholic) October 5, 2017
Southgate actually started Oxlade, who hasn’t played as much football this season. They deserve everything he serves.
— Mané Garrincha (@VickieOfficiel) October 5, 2017
It is fair to say that the Ox hasn’t had the best of starts since his move from Arsenal but every footballer should be given time. There must be a reason why Jurgen Klopp signed the Englishman and most of his transfer moves have paid off.
Klopp and the Ox will have a chance to make amends after the international break when we face Manchester United and should we win that match, a lot will be forgiven.
https://youtu.be/YLyp8-WDsaA
