West Ham United’s top scorer Michail Antonio has retained his place in the England squad following the dismissal of Sam Allardyce.
Former England manager Sam Allardyce
Former West Ham boss Allardyce did not work with Antonio at West Ham but was impressed enough by his performances to hand him his first ever call-up last month.
Allardyce has since departed the post, though, which left many supporters speculating whether Antonio would be called up again given how poor his club side’s start to the season has been with just four points from 21 available so far.
The ex Nottingham Forest, Reading and Southampton winger was once again named in the Three Lions squad but interim boss Gareth Southgate on Sunday.
England’s Michail Antonio during the press conference
It will make a welcome break from the grind of West Ham’s season for Antonio.
Infighting amongst fans, resentment towards owners and concerns over safety at the club’s new 60,000 seater Olympic Stadium home have soured the Hammers’ campaign so far.
Slaven Bilic‘s side have lost five of their opening seven Premier League matches and have also been embarrassingly dumped out of the Europa League by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu for the second season running.
Michail Antonio celebrates scoring the first Premier League goal at the London Stadium
Antonio has been a rare ray of light amidst all the gloom, though, continuing where he left off last season with five goals and his usual committed, all-action performances.
Twitter has been reacting to news of his inclusion in Southgate’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia, including word from respected football writer Henry Winter.
England’s Michail Antonio during training
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