Advertisement
Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport
Team news

Oxlade-Chamberlain set to start for England against France

The Arsenal winger has been chosen ahead of Stewart Downing, with James Milner preferred to Theo Walcott.

ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN IS set to start the biggest game of his life this evening, as England get ready to take on France in their Euro 2012 opener in Donetsk.

The Arsenal winger has been preferred to Stewart Downing on the left side of Roy Hodgson’s midfield, and will make only his second start for his country.

The news caps a meteoric rise for the 18-year-old former Southampton starlet, who only joined Arsene Wenger’s side last summer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s team-mate Theo Walcott will have to make do with a place on the bench, however, with James Milner preferred on the right.

Danny Welbeck will start as the lone striker, with Ashley Young just behind him, as Hodgson resists the urge to call on Andy Carroll.

The back five names itself, with Joe Hart, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Joleon Lescott and Ashley Cole the chosen defence.

Captain Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker make up the centre of midfield.

Magnificent: Nadal claims a record 7th French Open title >

On Tour: The morning after the night before for Trap’s Army in Poznan >