The Newcastle United player is currently on the fringes for his country but he could get a chance with the Liverpool star out injured.
It looked as though Jonjo Shelvey may have blown his last chance of making the England World Cup squad on Monday night at Everton.
The Newcastle United midfielder has excelled in recent weeks but, in front of the watching Gareth Southgate, he looked well off the pace at Goodison Park.
Given that Shelvey has not won a cap since 2015, Shelvey already had a lot to do if he was to force his way into the squad.
But Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was stretchered off for Liverpool on the other side of Stanley Park just 24 hours later, and there may now be an opening in the Three Lions midfield.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was not necessarily in the England squad either just a few months ago, but his fine form at Anfield looked to have made him a shoo-in for the plane to Russia.
However, an apparently serious injury this close to the end of the season could well rule him out of the summer tournament, or at least have him facing a race to be fit.
For Shelvey, this could well be the motivation he needs to keep performing, even if he would have rather earned his place without seeing a rival injured.
Given that Jack Wilshere has struggled to stay fit and win a place in the England side, it is unlikely Southgate will take any risks with another player.
The Newcastle man need only stay fit and play his best football to be in with a real chance.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
