5 players who can replace injured Theo Walcott for England in the World Cup

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Theo Walcott’s anterior cruciate ligament injury is bad news for both him and the nation as he was almost guaranteed a spot in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad. The man who scored five and set up four from his right wing position in just 13 Premier League games this season will certainly be missed.

Theo Walcott stats

Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck can play in that position, while James Milner is a Hodgson favourite and to the chagrin of many fans may well go. The rescheduling of Adam Lallana’s wedding plans from the summer to Christmas time may lead a few to suspect he may have gotten an early nod.

However, it does open up an opportunity in allowing another winger, of which England have quite a few, who might currently lingering in the periphery of Hodgson’s thoughts to make a breakthrough and snatch a seat on the plane to Brazil. Here are a few would could make the cut.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

‘The Ox’, Walcott’s potential replacement in terms of both club and country, has only played 56 minutes of league football this season, so it is hard and perhaps unfair to judge him on this alone – even if he has produced one assist and an 84% pass completion record.

Oxlade-Chamberlain Duel Success – PL 2012/13

Last season, however, he made 25 Premier League appearances and registered an pass completion figure of 81%,  performed 19 key passes, provided one assist and won a tad under half of his take-ons. Most astonishing, however, is Oxlade-Chamberlain’s efficiency in making challenges – a staggering 93% completion rate.

He has the potential and is a favourite of Hodgson’s. This in mind, along with the fact he will be fresher than most alternatives having  played only half a season, he could be a prime candidate to replace his fellow gunner.