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Ox injury worry for England

Cape Town - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could miss England's World Cup campaign after the midfielder injured his knee during Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Ecuador in Miami.

The Arsenal paceman was the victim of an unfortunate injury as Carlos Gruezo landed on the back of his opponent's leg while rolling on the ground in an exaggerated display after earlier having kicked the underside of Oxlade-Chamberlain's boot.

The 20-year-old was immediately substituted and was still limping as the Three Lions left the dressing room, and Hodgson admits he is unsure of the severity of the blow as England gear up for next week's Brazil spectacular.

"Oxlade-Chamberlain is the one that bothers me. His knee buckled under the challenge as the player turned into him," the boss said.

"He'll have a scan (on Thursday), I'd imagine. When we've had the scan, we'll know more."

There were also question marks over the fitness of Jack Wilshere and Luke Shaw, who both came off in the second half, although Hodgson insists those were mere precautionary tactics.

"It was cramp. We took them off for those reasons alone," Hodgson concluded.
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