Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has targeted a place in England’s World Cup squad this summer as he prepares to return from injury.
The Arsenal forward has been sidelined with a knee problem since the start of the season, but is now back in training and eyeing up a return to action this month.
And with places up for grabs in Roy Hodgson’s squad for Brazil at the end of the season, the 20-year-old is keen to make a big impression.
Oxlade-Chamberlain speaks about his goal in the Maracana Stadium.
"Although for now I am just focused on getting back in and around the Arsenal team and helping us do well this season, [going to] the World Cup is definitely something I would like to achieve,” said Oxlade-Chamberlain.
"As a young guy growing up watching football and watching World Cups, this will be my first one [that I can play in].
"Obviously I went to the Euros, which was an amazing experience - and that's a massive achievement for me personally, especially as an 18-year-old boy - that was really special.
"But the World Cup is always that little bit more special because it is the world stage. If I was able to be selected and go to Brazil, it would be a dream come true and something that I am definitely striving towards.”
The former Southampton star has already had a brief taste of what playing in Brazil next summer could be like, after scoring in England’s game with the World Cup hosts at the Maracana Stadium last May.
Oxlade-Chamberlain came on as a second-half substitute to equalise Fred’s opener, before Wayne Rooney went on to put the Three Lions in front.
A late goal from Paulinho saw the match end all square at 2-2, but Oxlade-Chamberlain still has fond memories from the whole trip and experience.
“It was a surreal experience but it was definitely one I will never forget.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
“It was a bit surreal,” he told Arsenal.com.
“It didn't really sink in until after the game, maybe not even then because I had just come off the bench and onto the pitch so I didn't really feel like I was getting to grips with the game as such.
“I don't know how long it was after I came on that I scored, but it felt quite soon so I was still getting to grips with coming on and doing my job and then all of a sudden the goal went in and I was running off.
“I was celebrating and then I didn't realise why I was celebrating! It was a surreal experience but it was definitely one I will never forget, being in that stadium and playing against a team like Brazil with the World Cup coming up. It was a really nice moment.
“It definitely inspires me to want to make sure I can go back there for some more of that Brazilian action!”
