Merson explains why Oxlade-Chamberlain should be selected ahead of Antonio for England

Despite Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struggling for form and game time since his move from Arsenal to Liverpool this summer, football pundit Paul Merson still things that he is a better option for the England national team than West Ham star Michail Antonio.

After shining for the Hammers last season, many have said that Antonio deserves to be called up to the England squad and he has so far been called up twice by the Three Lions, once under Sam Allardyce and was part of Gareth Southgate’s first selection.

However a serious injury towards the end of last season put end to any hopes of a recall at least for now.  Despite struggling for form, Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed a start for England during their recent 1-0 win over Slovenia and did not look impressive.

Despite this, Merson feels that he is still a better option than Antonio for national team duty and said, “The Ox” this summer and resist drafting in Antonio, who is – as of yet – unproven at international level. Oxlade-Chamberlain gets the nod because he’s as versatile as an egg.

“He could play in midfield, on the wing, at No 10 or even as a wing-back – you need players that are versatile.”