Alex Oxlade: I will play with no fear

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has pledged to "play with no fear" after being named in the England squad for Euro 2012. The 18-year-old turned heads during his debut campaign at Arsenal and has been rewarded with a call-up for this summer's tournament alongside his club-mate, Theo Walcott. Oxlade-Chamberlain was surprised to make Roy Hodgson's final 23 but he is determined to take his chance in Poland and Ukraine. "I'm obviously delighted, to be picked for your country at any stage is a massive honour and to be at a huge tournament likes the Euros is such a bonus," he told Arsenal.com. "I am just looking forward to going there, learning from all the experienced players, training with them and trying my hand at everything. I am absolutely buzzing. "I got a call this [Wednesday] morning from the manager and he just explained it to me then - that was about two hours before it was announced. He said it was down to merit and I just have to prove him right. "I think I play with no fear, I run at players regardless of who they are and try to make a difference. I have a youthful enthusiasm and I am so excited about this that I will try and take any opportunity with both hands. "I will just try and make things happen, although I know there are other players who can do that. It will just be nice to get the opportunity and I will see what I can do." Oxlade-Chamberlain has ticked off a number of milestones over the past 12 months, playing and scoring in the Premier League and Champions League for the first time after completing a summer switch from Southampton to Arsenal. The teenager is not short on confidence but a senior England call-up seemed unlikely to him a year ago. "I would have probably laughed if someone had told me I would be in the Euro 2012 a year ago," he said. "Obviously you would like to think that and it is what you aim towards but sometimes you have to be realistic and realise it might take a little bit longer than that. "So for everything to happen as quickly as it has, it has been surreal and I don't think it has really sunk in properly yet. I know I haven't made it and I have a long way to go but this is the first step in what I hope to be a long and successful international career. "It is a good opportunity for me to go and learn from everyone and if I do get a chance, work as hard as I can to make an impression and prove myself."