The West Ham winger was included in Sam Allardyce’s first England squad last week.
England’s Michail Antonio during the press conference
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has told the Daily Mail that he has told Michail Antonio not to change following his England call-up.
The winger was handed his first England call-up last week in Sam Allardyce’s first squad as England manager.
It was just rewards for the Hammers star, who was one of their key men in an impressive first season under Bilic last year.
While he didn’t manage to earn his first cap in the 1-0 win over Slovakia, there is no doubt that being included was not only a surprise but a massive boost to his confidence.
England’s Michail Antonio during training
But Bilic has warned him not to change his manner to ensure he gets back in next time around.
“I think it will give him more motivation and more confidence,” he told the Daily Mail.
“But the key for him, and I told him yesterday, is not to forget which way of training and playing gave him the opportunity to be called into the England squad.”
Domzale’s Alvaro Brachi and West Ham’s Michail Antonio in action
It will certainly be interesting to see how Antonio’s England call-up affects his performances moving forward.
Some players tail off after earning that first call up, believing that they have already proven themselves while others strive to improve to ensure they are in there again.
West Ham, and Slaven Bilic will certainly be hoping that he is the latter kind given how he has impressed so far.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
