Stats embarrassing for Roy Hodgson as West Ham United midfielder outshines Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle United stars.
Hodgson has announced a 26-man squad for this summer’s European Championships in France.
But not a single Hammers player made the cut despite enjoying their best ever Premier League season and mounting a genuine challenge for Champions League football.
While the East Londoners have a number of players who staked a strong claim for inclusion by the Three Lions boss, one man in particular has been desperately unlucky to be omitted.
Hodgson leaves Beast in cage
Michail Antonio has enjoyed a dream start to his West Ham career after his £7 million move from Nottingham Forest last summer.
The Beast, as he is affectionately known by the club’s fans, only started getting in the team just before Christmas but so good were his performances he ended up running West Ham hero Dimitri Payet close for the prestigious Hammer of the Year award.
The 26-year-old, who has scored in West Ham’s last two games, had been tipped for inclusion when the squad was announced on Monday
But, somewhat unsurprisingly for West Ham fans, he has been ignored by Hodgson despite being way ahead of midfielders from rival clubs who have made the cut in some crucial statistics.
Hodgson’s West Ham blind spot
Antonio has 15 goals and assists this season – despite only beginning his West Ham career halfway through the season. And the versatile powerhouse has also been deployed as a makeshift right back for much of that time.
He was five clear of Liverpool’s Adam Lallana (10), Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (9), Red Devils youngster Marcus Rashford (6) and relegated Magpies winger Andros Townsend (6).
Hodgson’s West Ham blind spot rankles with Hammers fans who feel their man deserves a chance to show he can do it at international level.
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