England captain Steven Gerrard has said that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proved his international pedigree against France.
The 18-year-old started in the Three Lions' midfield in Donetsk, which was only his third appearance for his country.
"Wayne Rooney showed all those years ago that if you're good enough, you're old enough," Gerrard told ITV Sport. "Oxlade-Chamberlain showed tonight that he's good enough for this level.
Rooney announced himself on the international scene during Euro 2004 in Portugal, where he scored four goals.
Gerrard said that the Arsenal star showed why he was picked by Roy Hodgson and has backed him to continue improving.
"He's still got a lot of learning to do," added Gerrard. "But playing with experienced players he'll get there."
Oxlade-Chamberlain made his debut in the Euro 2012 warm-up game against Norway.
Written by
Michael Penkman
Michael Penkman
