Glenn Hoddle was blown away by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after the Liverpool midfielder scored in England’s 7-0 win against Montenegro at Wembley on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old took just minutes to stick the ball in the back of the net in what was his first competitive start for the Three Lions since 2017.
Ben Chilwell’s cross made the goal and ex-Tottenham man Hoddle was delighted by the finish from the Liverpool star.
“He’s worked exceedingly hard, he’s been injured. It’s a wonderful ball from Chilwell. The first touch is immaculate and what a finish,” Hoddle said on ITV on Thursday [07:56pm].
“He works really hard to keep this ball low and keep his calm.
“It’s a wonderful goal, it really is.
“I’m so pleased for him, he’s had a hard time hasn’t he and that will give him a lot of relief and a lot of joy.”
OPINION
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been terrific for Liverpool this season and it is mad to think that he has only started twice in the Premier League. The former Arsenal and Southampton midfielder has been in good goalscoring form and scoring some cracking goals too. His strike in the opening minutes against Montenegro was definitely one to remember. Not only was it his first goal for England but it was also a really nice finish after some really impressive control in the penalty area from Chilwell’s cross. Hoddle was impressed and so was everyone else who was watching the Liverpool midfielder. Mohamed Salah could be out injured for a few weeks so a spot in the starting line-up could open up for Oxlade-Chamberlain if he is lucky. Although it would mean him playing out on the right-wing, he seems to be a much better bet than Divock Origi at the moment. Especially for getting on the scoresheet.
