Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admits Brazil goal a blur as dad sleeps through strike

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admitted his dramatic equaliser for England against Brazil in the Maracana was still to register in the immediate aftermath of the 2-2 draw.

The Arsenal winger stepped off the substitutes’ bench to draw Roy Hodgson’s men level after Fred had put Brazil in front after dominating the opening half.

Wayne Rooney’s deflected strike then gave England a shock lead with 11 minutes to go but Paulinho earned a 2-2 draw for the hosts with his volley soon after.

Asked about his goal, a fine low strike from 20 yards after a build-up involving Rooney and Frank Lampard, Oxlade-Chamberlain told ITV: “I can’t really remember it to be honest!

“I think I played it to Lamps, he played it round the corner to Wazza, he set it and I just hit it.”

While admitting his frustration at Brazil’s equaliser, the teenager was pleased with the result on a prestigious occasion.

“The fact we did go 2-1 up, you always want to close out the game so in that sense we’re disappointed,” he said.

“Brazil are a top quality side and they tried to break us down but we kept our shape well.

“It’s tough coming away in this heat, in a stadium like this and with their quality, it’s a good result.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s strike evoked memories of England famous 2-0 victory at the Maracana in 1984, which featured his father Mark.

But the former England international admitted he missed the highlight of son Alex’s career – because he fell asleep.

Chamberlain told Radio 5: “I was a bit gutted. I actually didn’t see it. I had loads of texts saying it was a fantastic goal.

“I was dropping his mother off at the airport at 6am this morning and I fell asleep. I have it on tape and will watch it back.”