The Hammers winger was ovewhelmed by the news.
Domzale’s Alvaro Brachi and West Ham’s Michail Antonio in action
West Ham United winger Michail Antonio has spoken of his joy at being called up to the England squad, in quotes published by whufc.com.
The 26-year old has been a revelation since his move from Nottingham Forest last summer and his performances have been awarded by inclusion in Sam Allardyce’s first England squad.
“I’m overwhelmed,” said Antonio. “I got slightly emotional when I found out. 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.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio has a shot at goal
“I don’t even know what to say – words can’t explain how happy I am!
“I just give my all every time I go on the field, so for me to called-up by England, I don’t know what to say! All I can do is go out there on the international stage and show there is a reason why the gaffer has called me up.”
Antonio’s versatility has been a major asset for the Hammers, with his ability to fill-in at right-back being particularly useful, but going forward is where he has really caught the eye.
West Ham’s Michail Antonio celebrates scoring their first goal
The energetic wide man bagged eight goals and three assists in 26 appearances last season and has already begun this campaign in a similar fashion.
His prowess in the air is quickly becoming famed and he headed the winner against Bournemouth last week and another in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City yesterday.
Michail Antonio celebrates with Mark Noble after scoring the second goal for West Ham
Antonio’s success is further evidence of the quality that can be found in England’s lower leagues and more clubs could benefit by adopting a similar approach.
Large chunks of the West Ham support felt that their flying winger deserved a place in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup but Roy Hodgson never shared their sentiment.
Former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce clearly does however, and the onus is now on Antonio to prove that he deserves to play at the highest level.
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