New England manager beware: Arsene Wenger’s seal of approval could strike again

“If England have a problem at the World Cup tell Sven to call me. I may have a good striker for him.”
Arsene Wenger on Theo Walcott, April 2006

“Until the end of the season there is no problem and if he continues to play like this I am convinced he will go to Euro 2012.”
Arsene Wenger on Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, February 2012

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed young starlet Alex Oxlade Chamberlain to make it into England’s Euro 2012 squad. While OTP would quite like to see the Ox given a chance at international level, the Wenger seal of approval immediately sets off alarm bells.

Granted, this glowing reference from the Frenchman should carry a bit more weight given that Wenger himself is selecting Oxlade Chamberlain, whereas Walcott couldn’t get into the Gunners’ team.

But a word of warning to the incoming England manager.

Image: Ronnie Macdonald