Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has claimed that being dropped by England provided him with a "kick up the backside".
The Arsenal midfielder missed Euro 2016 with injury and was not included in Sam Allardyce's squad last month due to a lack of form.
Oxlade-Chamberlain managed to earn a call-up to the most recent squad selected by Gareth Southgate, who is in interim charge of the Three Lions following Allardyce's sacking.
"[Being dropped] provided a kick up the backside," Oxlade-Chamberlain told reporters. "I have been playing for England since I was 18 and, while I wouldn't say I took it all for granted, it just seemed to be a part of my season - to play for Arsenal and to play for England. It was a jolt.
"I am not young now. I am 23, so you need to be performing and playing as much as you can to deserve a chance to go and play for England. Being back in the setup makes me realise how special it is."
Oxlade-Chamberlain will try to earn a place in the team for World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia.
Danielle Joynson
