Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes England’s young players have to start taking responsibility in Roy Hodgson’s new-look squad.
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard retired in the summer after a disappointing World Cup campaign where England failed to progress from their group for the first time in 56 years.
Now Oxlade-Chamberlain feels it is time for the younger players to step into the vacated roles and become leaders themselves.
"The new-look England side is exciting because a lot of the younger boys are focal points, which is a good thing"
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
“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 Player.
“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.”
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