Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels ex-Saints starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can one day develop into England's next Steven Gerrard.

There was some positive news for the Gunners in a week which saw Theo Walcott ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury which shattered his World Cup dream, as midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain made a long-awaited return in the Under-21s.

The 20-year-old - out since the opening day of the Barclays Premier League season with his own knee problem - hopes he can now go on to prove himself good enough to earn a seat on the plane to Brazil this summer.

Wenger, who could include Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench at Aston Villa tomorrow night, sees no reason why the former Saint should not enjoy a positive end to the 2014 campaign for both club and country.

"He has a good opportunity now. He will be in Roy Hodgson's plans as he can play central and wide. On that front England do not have too many players,” the Arsenal boss said.

“He had a big impact when he came on in that (friendly) game against Brazil (in June 2013), especially in central midfield, and deep in central midfield his future will be there.

“He has a good long ball, penetration from deep and a good quality to distribute and penetrate individually. Certainly he has the same qualities to Steven Gerrard."

Wenger, though, warned against expecting too much too soon.

“At the moment he is still in formation," the Arsenal boss said.

“It is good for his education as he plays left, right and central when needed. After 23 or 24 you settle in a definite position.”