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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to play for England against Slovenia despite nightmare Liverpool start

LIVERPOOL’S Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to line up for England on Thursday night — despite a nightmare start to his Anfield career.

The Ox, 24, has struggled since his deadline day £35million move from Arsenal but should get his 30th cap on the right wing against Slovenia.

 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain jumps to it in England training
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain jumps to it in England trainingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

He started the 2-1 win over Slovakia at Wembley on September 4 but has managed only 164 minutes for Liverpool since then.

His sole start was the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leicester, while his performances have drawn stinging criticism from Reds fans.

Raheem Sterling receives the same treatment from England supporters.

But boss Gareth Southgate has tipped the winger to shrug off the boo-boys.

 Liverpool new boy Oxlade-Chamberlain looks to be having a ball with England
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Liverpool new boy Oxlade-Chamberlain looks to be having a ball with EnglandCredit: Reuters
 The Ox meets 1966 World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton
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The Ox meets 1966 World Cup winner Sir Bobby CharltonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Manchester City star Sterling, 22, is set to start up front with Spurs talisman Harry Kane and Southgate said:

“I think Raheem is a tough lad.

“That’s one of the attributes I really like about him. He bounces back from disappointments and he goes again.

“He is ready for the game. I can see he is looking forward to it.

“He is in a good place with his club, he’s working with a good coach there and we have huge belief in him as well.

“I’ve no doubts, looking at the way we’ve trained this week,  that we’ll give a good performance.”

Southgate, hoping the 60,000-plus  at Wembley will be positive, added: “We want the crowd to be excited with what they’re watching.

 Gareth Southgate says there will be no hiding place for Raheem Sterling
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Gareth Southgate says there will be no hiding place for Raheem SterlingCredit: Reuters
 Sterling seems to be enjoying life with England
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Sterling seems to be enjoying life with EnglandCredit: Rex Features
 But Manchester City have not exactly seen the best of him
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But Manchester City have not exactly seen the best of himCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"Raheem’s a player who can do that.

“He can beat people, his goalscoring record is improving and he works hard for the team.”

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