Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 'Watching England World Cup opener was tough'

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has admitted that watching England's World Cup opener against Tunisia from the sidelines was "tough".

The Liverpool midfielder's season was cut short due to a knee injury sustained during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Roma in April.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was likely to have been been a part of Gareth Southgate's England team for the World Cup, but knee surgery saw him miss out on a chance to play in Russia.

"I've been watching the World Cup, following it and supporting the boys every inch of the way," the 24-year-old told Liverpool's official website.

"I must admit the first game against Tunisia was tough to watch - it's a moment when you realise what a great opportunity you're missing, but these things happen in life and I'm keeping positive."

Oxlade-Chamberlain has won 32 England caps since his debut in 2012.