Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain insists there is no rift between Gary Neville and the Arsenal members of the current England squad, despite the former Manchester United star's recent criticism of the club.
Neville, who now balances his media work with a role as part of Roy Hodgson's England coaching staff, recently branded Gunners boss Arsene Wenger's approach in the transfer market as naive and arrogant.
Some critics have suggested Neville could risk incurring the wrath of Arsenal players on England duty with his remarks, but Oxlade-Chamberlain says he agrees with most of what he has to say.
"He’s brilliant the way he explains things and I think he is very respectful when he says what teams need to do better and what players need to do better in a game.
"It’s credit to him because, obviously, it could be a tricky situation where he’s talking about our games on TV and then he comes to work with England. But he seems to manage to do it without any of us holding a grudge against him. He hasn’t upset me yet!
“I’ve recorded games before because I quite like to hear what Gary has to say. I do believe he knows what he’s talking about. If I’ve had a bad game, I know I’ve had a bad game and I don’t mind hearing it. I’ve had 15 years of hearing it from my dad! I’m the first one to have a go at myself and then it’s my dad, so if Gary wants to join in, then it’s fine."
Wenger responded to Neville's recent criticism by defending his approach in the transfer market, but Oxlade-Chamberlain refuted suggestions he could act as a peacemaker between the pair.
"I don’t need to act as a peacemaker, " he added.
"I have heard that our manager addressed what he said and I’m sure he addressed it in a very good way, but they are two people I highly respect and the only interaction I will have with Gary this week is about England and how we are going to beat San Marino and Switzerland, and what runs I need to make at the full backs. That’s all I’m concerned about.”
Neville recently pulled Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere's headphones out of his ears on the pitch at Celtic Park prior to the Three Lions' clash with Scotland.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was asked for his thoughts on the coach's direct approach, but maintains he has the respect of the entire squad: "He can do those things to us and we respect it, but at the same time we might also say ‘no, I’m putting them back in. That’s not for me Gaz’!”
“He knows how to treat the lads and fits right into our group, almost as one of the boys but also as someone we look up to and respect. We listen to what he’s got to say."
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