England must take Oxlade-Chamberlain to Euros - Wright

By Julian Shea.

England may not yet know who will be managing them at the European Championships, but whoever it is, Ian Wright says he has to include Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in his squad.

Robin van Persie may have scored a hat-trick in last week's 7-1 drubbing of Blackburn, but he had to share the headlines with the teenager as he produced a stunning performance to prove just why Arsenal fans have been getting so excited about him.

The next chance to see him in action is this Saturday, when Arsenal travel to Sunderland in the Premier League. Full live commentary of that game can be heard on Absolute Radio's Rock 'n Roll Football show, and Wright for one cannot wait to watch him again.

"Whoever the next England manager is, I think he's got to take him to the Euros," said Wright.

"He's got the physique of a man and I feel his body is ready.

"He's not like Theo Walcott when he was young, still growing and prey to things like hamstring injuries, he's more of a Wayne Rooney-type.

"I don't think he'll get much taller. I think he should be let loose, he's desperate to become a first-team regular and I think he'll go to the Euros without a shadow of a doubt.

"For weeks I've been saying release the Ox. Arsene Wenger's got to do it - he's got a great appreciation for the game and how he plays it, and he has the strength, he will be a surprise package."

If Oxlade-Chamberlain is given his chance, it could help decide van Persie's future at the club - and Wright says the Gunners must win games like this one if they want to have any hope of holding on to the Dutchman.

"If Arsenal don't get into the Champions League positions, the top sides around Europe are going to be looking at van Persie, and if he wants to play Champions League football, what can you do?," said Wright.

"You can only hope that he wants to stay and help Arsenal through this period, but you never know what people will come in and offer him - it's imperative that we get into the top four."

The Gunners have no new injuries to worry about as they prepare for the first of two consecutive Saturday trips to the Stadium of Light - one in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup - either side of a Champions League trip to Milan.

Kieran Gibbs (groin) and Marouane Chamakh are both recovered from injury and training well, so late decisions will be taken on their fitness.

Wenger says Carl Jenkinson is two weeks away from full training and is running again after his back injury.

Gervinho is still away on African Cup of Nations duty and Andre Santos (ankle) and midfielder pair Abou Diaby (hamstring) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) are all out with old injuries.

As for hosts Sunderland, their transformation under manager Martin O'Neill has been nothing short of miraculous - from one point above the relegation zone, they have shot up to eighth in the Premier League, and Wright says he can see them going on to qualify for Europe.

"A new manager comes in with fresh ideas for the whole place, and everyone wants to impress," said Wright.

"Sunderland won't be afraid of anyone at the moment - they'll have a go at Arsenal, they know the central defensive pairing can be got at, and Arsenal's defence will have to be on their game.

"I think if they can carry on as they are, they'll be pushing for a European place."

On-loan defenders Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos are free to play after being ineligible for the midweek FA Cup win over Middlesbrough.

Fellow loanee striker Nicklas Bendtner cannot play against his parent club, and defender Matt Kilgallon has returned to training after five games out with an ankle injury but is not match fit.

Lee Cattermole (hamstring), David Vaughan (ankle), Wes Brown (knee) and Titus Bramble (Achilles/calf) are also still ruled out.

Wright expects a tight game, but thinks his old side will edge it - just.

"It'll be a tough tough game - Sunderland are very good, especially at home but Arsenal will be buoyed after last week," he said.

"But I think Arsenal will just pinch it because I don't believe we can afford to lose any more games if we want to stay in touch with the top four."

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