Former Celtic ace Chris Sutton has slammed Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, saying he is not good enough to play in central midfield for England.
Sutton’s comments came after England’s 3-2 friendly defeat to France on Tuesday night.
The Three Lions took the lead after nine minutes at Stade de France through captain Harry Kane before Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe both struck and put the hosts ahead at the break.
England then equalised shortly into the second period as Kane netted from the spot after Raphael Varane saw red for a challenge on Raheem Sterling.
However, it was not to be for England as 10-man France bagged a late winner through Ousmane Dembele.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 23, featured for the full 90 minutes in central midfield on Tuesday night, but Sutton believes he is not up to the standard the Three Lions need in the middle of the park.
Sutton wrote in his Daily Mail column: “Tuesday night highlighted England’s problems in midfield and it’s clear that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is not good enough centrally.
“France carved through England in that area and Gareth Southgate’s men got done far too easily — it was embarrassing.
“Oxlade-Chamberlain has not done himself any favours with that display. England are short of options and it’s a worry.”
The 23-year-old utility man was used all in a variety of positions by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger last term, he plied his trade in central midfield, at right-wing back, and on both wings.
He was a mainstay of the Gunners side in 2016-17, making 45 appearances in all competitions, which yielded six goals and 11 assists.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s appearance on Tuesday was his 25th in an England shirt.