Football
ESPN staff 9y

Oxlade-Chamberlain: England starlets must fill Gerrard, Lampard roles

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes England's youngsters must step up and take on the responsibility of replacing Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

The Three Lions endured a disappointing 2014 World Cup as they failed to qualify from their group in Brazil, with midfield veterans Gerrard and Lampard retiring from international duty after the competition.

With Roy Hodgson handing call-ups to a host of young talent in recent months, Arsenal midfielder Oxlade-Cahmberlain says now is the time to "excite" the fans with England looking to qualify for Euro 2016.

"Seeing Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard retire is odd because they've been an integral part of the squad for so long and a massive influence on the young boys as well," he told Arsenal's official website.

"They both helped me massively and I'm sure all the other young boys could say the same. It is weird to see them go but it's now time for us to step up and take responsibility by filling those roles.

"It had to be done at some point but it's exciting and it's a new-look England side where a lot of the younger boys are focal points, which is a good thing.

"There's a lot of talent in that squad at the moment and a lot of hardworking players as well, so I think it's a good mix for a good squad in the future."

The Gunners are well represented in Hodgson's squad to face San Marino and Estonia in the latest Euro 2016 qualifiers, with Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and 19-year-old Calum Chambers called up -- a situation Oxlade-Chamberlain feels will benefit both club and country.

"If you find five of your teammates in the squad it helps on the pitch and off it as well," he continued.

"When you're with your teammates at club level day-in, day-out, you understand each other and you can take that into international football.

"If you find five of your teammates in the squad it helps on the pitch and also gives you that togetherness off it as well. You can say the same about Liverpool as well because they have four players here.

"I find that really good because it helps when you come onto the pitch and you know each other well. We've grown up together in the under-19s and under-21s as well so we know each other really well and that's good going forward."

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