Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hails ‘unbelievable’ Luke Shaw

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has heaped praise on Luke Shaw following the defender’s impressive performances for Southampton this season.

The 18-year-old was called up to the senior England side for the first time last week and could play a part in Wednesday’s friendly against Denmark at Wembley.

And Arsenal midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain admits that he is a keen admirer of the teenager.

He has matured and been consistently playing at an unbelievable level

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

“He has been absolutely outstanding this season,” said Oxlade-Chamberlain “He has matured and been consistently playing at an unbelievable level.

“Growing up at Southampton, where he was a few years younger than me, I have always known he is a fantastic player.

“He has shot up, grown physically and taken that maturity into first team. It has been a rapid rise but he has taken it really well.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is back in the England squad a five-month absence through injury, is hoping that the lay-off can help him feel fresh ahead of the World Cup.

“It is always an honour to get called up,” he said. “I’ve been working hard for five months so it is a nice reward to have the opportunity to be around the team again.

“It is hard to say how I will feel at end of season but when I’m back to full fitness hopefully I will have plenty left over.”