Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his England debut against Norway on May 26

Roy Hodgson encourages Arsenal star to be brave

Sunday, June 3, 2012
11:08 PM

The England boss wants Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to take risks

England manager Roy Hodgson has encouraged Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to take risks and be brave at Euro 2012.

The Gunners forward was criticised for being over-eager during the 1-0 win over Belgium but this did not phase the Three Lions boss.

“It is a good fault isn’t it?” said Hodgson.

“We have been trying to encourage that a little bit. Our message to the players has been that they have to be brave and show some courage.

“They have to try it on. If it doesn’t work, we will take the responsibility.

“We would rather they take it on than turn back because they are worried if they try and go by the defender and lose the ball they are going to get criticised.

“He took that message very much on board and with a stricter or a kinder referee he might have got a few free-kicks on some of the occasions when he lost the ball.”