Jamie Redknapp: 'Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been Stuart Pearce's captain'

By Liam Power, Reporter | 11 June 2013

Redknapp: 'Chamberlain should have been Pearce's captain'

Jamie Redknapp insists that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would have benefited from playing for Stuart Pearce's young England side at this summer's European Under-21 Championships.

Ex-England midfielder Jamie Redknapp has insisted that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been the focal point of Stuart Pearce's side at this summer's European Under-21 Championship.

Pearce's depleted team have endured a difficult tournament in Israel, losing both of their matches so far to exit the competition at the group stage.

Redknapp believes that Chamberlain, Jack Rodwell and Phil Jones should all have been made available for selection, primarily to help produce players with experience of tournament football.

He told the Daily Mail: "Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been there as Pearce's captain.

"Give him the starring role, play him in central midfield, a position we still don't know if he can occupy, and then put Phil Jones and Jack Rodwell around him. Turn it into a beauty contest if you wish and let's see if we can find an international player in a tournament environment.

"He wasn't there because of the attitude of the Football Association, who have demoted and downgraded the value of an Under-21 cap and, with it, the chance of tournament experience."

Pearce will look to end a disappointing tournament on a positive note today, with England finishing their Group B schedule with a game against hosts Israel.