England call-up for Antonio
LONDON: Sam Allardyce marked his first squad announcement as England manager on Sunday by including uncapped West Ham United midfielder Michail Antonio in a 23-man party for next week’s World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.
Antonio was included on the same day he scored for the Hammers in their 3-1 loss away to Premier League leaders Manchester City.
The 26-year-old has adjusted well to life in the Premier League since joining the Hammers from Nottingham Forest a year ago
He scored nine goals in 32 appearances for the London club last season, while his two most recent Hammers games have seen Antonio head in against both Bournemouth and City.
“I think he’s in outstanding form,” Allardyce told the Football Association’s website as he explained his decision to select Antonio, who only a few seasons ago was playing non-league football for Tooting and Mitcham in south London.
An emotional Antonio told West Ham’s website: “I’m overwhelmed. It’s just one of those things that I’ve always dreamt of playing for England as a kid, so now for it to happen after I’ve worked my way from non-league to where I am now, I am just so happy.”
Antonio added: “I don’t even know what happens here. I have been called up, so I’ll have to ask the boys what I have to do, because I don’t know.”