Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is now a major doubt to feature for England at the World Cup after injuring his knee in the 2-2 draw with Ecuador last night, with the midfielder likely to be ruled out for two weeks.
Roy Hodgson has some serious thinking to do. The England manager will have to decide whether to replace the injured Ox with one of his seven standby players.
Under Fifa’s rules, a replacement can be called-up until a day before a nation’s first match, which in this case means Hodgson will need to make a decision on whether to stick with Oxlade-Chamberlain for the duration of the tournament in the danger that he could miss the entire campaign in Brazil.
England's opening contest, against Italy in Manaus is in just nine days.
So who are these standby players? Some are in Miami training hard and some are 'aving it large on their holidays, and some are seemingly too devastated to do anything...
To see the gallery of England's standby players, and how likely they are to replace The Ox, click through the gallery below...
The news comes as a blow to Hodgson who saw Oxlade-Chamberlain shine at the Sun Life Stadium, as England faltered to a draw with the South American sixth-seeds.
Watch Sam Wallace's latest World Cup video from Miami below:
Oxlade-Chamberlain had also endured an injury-hit season with Arsenal. Knee ligament problems forced him to make just 20 appearances in all competitions.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments