England manager Roy Hodgson has defended Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's inclusion in his 23-man squad for Euro 2012 and has hinted that the Arsenal winger is "ready to start games".
Oxlade-Chamberlain is uncapped at senior international level and has only made six Premier League starts for the Gunners this season.
Despite his lack of experience, Hodgson is confident that the 18-year-old can prove worthy of selection in Poland and the Ukraine.
"I wouldn't have chosen him if I didn't think he was ready to start games," said Hodgson. "It won't be easy for him to break into the team given the competition, as we've loaded up in the wide areas because Wayne Rooney can't play in the first two matches.
"But I've seen him play in European matches – one of the games where he really sprang to my attention was the match against Milan.
"He has a maturity beyond his years. He is a precocious talent. I think, sometimes, there has to be a place in the squad for a precocious talent. It'll help England's future as well."
Oxlade-Chamberlain has represented the Three Lions at Under-21 level eight times, scoring four goals.
