I have no regrets, insists AOC

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has no regrets his family did not eye-witness his first competitive start for England in Donetsk on Monday.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who insists he knows he has his family's constant support, was the surprise inclusion in England coach Roy Hodgson's side.

His family were reported to be reluctant to travel to Ukraine because of the threat of being subjected to racism - including his father Mark, the former England international.

But when asked if he regretted not being watched by his family, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: "They are on holiday. They are just on holiday. There was a lot said but I can't say any of it is true at all.

"They are just enjoying a nice holiday. For me, it's enough that they are watching on the TV.

"I spoke to them also. I don't need them to fly out here to support me. They are always there.

"I spoke to dad briefly because he was struggling to get a signal on his phone in Portugal. I managed to get a two-minute conversation.

"He said if you do get on and play, all the best. That was it."

Oxlade-Chamberlain showed glimpses of his potential against France but is refusing to contemplate th prospect of becoming a regular starter under Hodgson.

He said: "It was a massive honour for me to get out there and represent my country in a competition like this. It was a nice surprise but one I needed to expect and be ready for when it came.

"But look, I'm only 18. Any chance I get, I'll try and take with two hands. I'm always learning from the boys around me. I'm grateful for any chance I get.

"There are really good players in all positions and there are a lot of competition for places and I'm sure there will be squad rotation.

"We've got the players to do it and there is a lot of physical demands from game to game.

"There is a lot of competition for places and whether I keep my place, is not for me to say.

"I'll just keep working hard in training and if I do get the call, I'll give it my all."

Oxlade-Chamberlain admits he has settled into his first taste of senior tournament football.

He said: "It's been really good. Obviously the people that work for England and work closely with us, they always set out a lot for us to do so we are always kept occupied.

"When it's football, it's football and we are really focused but in our off time, we have a lot to do and whether it be table tennis, pool, there is friendly competition with all the lads.

"We are not bored or anything like that. We are thoroughly enjoying the tournament but we will enjoy it more if we get results."

Oxlade-Chamberlain believes England can build on their promising start to the tournament when they face Sweden in Kiev on Friday.

He said: "We would have liked to win and with going ahead, it was unfortunate we couldn't hold out. But the way the game shaped up, they had a lot of possession and for us to come out with the draw was a good step.

"It's a good start for us, we can build from here and we can definitely get stronger and we showed our quality as well in glimpses."