Antonio named in Allardyce’s first England squad

Matt Stead

Sam Allardyce has named his first-ever England squad, with Michail Antonio the only player without a cap.

Allardyce was appointed Roy Hodgson’s replacement as manager this summer, and has named his first squad for the upcoming World Cup 2018 qualifier against Slovakia.

Antonio is the only potential debutant in the 23 – hopefully not as a right-back – as Mark Noble has been once again overlooked for a place.

The West Ham captain was expected to be among those named by his former manager at Upton Park, Allardyce, but instead Wayne Rooney has been listed as a midfielder in the squad.

Ross Barkley drops out of the squad, one of five changes to the 23-man group which went to Euro 2016.

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw has been selected for the World Cup qualifier in Slovakia on 4 September.

It is the full-back’s first call-up since breaking his leg last season, and he joins Manchester City’s out-of-favour keeper Joe Hart in the squad.

Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and Leicester’s Danny Drinkwater are recalled, having missed out on a place at Euro 2016.

Everton captain Phil Jagielka has been selected, but club-mate Ross Barkley and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere miss out.

Antonio, who joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in September 2015, began his career in non-league football with Tooting and Mitcham United.

“I think he’s in outstanding form,” Allardyce told the FA website. “This is another lad with a great journey – it’s a fantastic journey that he’s been on, from non-league to now an international call-up.

“He scored nine goals in his first season and he’s a terrific athlete, a good crosser and a goalscorer.”