Uncapped Antonio nails dream journey
Allardyce calls up Hammer, who just years ago was playing non-league football, for his first squad — but Barkley misses out
London: An emotional Michail Antonio expressed his delight after being named as the only uncapped player in Sam Allardyce’s first England squad, although the West Ham player’s fairy-tale inclusion for the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia was overshadowed by the shock exclusion of in-form Ross Barkley.
Jack Wilshere has also been dropped by Allardyce but, in truth, the 24-year-old did not expect to play as he has featured little for Arsenal this season, making just two cameo appearances amounting to 37 minutes.
Nevertheless, it means that the new England manager has left out two of the country’s most technically-gifted young midfielders with his first selection, which will certainly provoke debate about the style of football he wants to play.
In contrast to predecessor Roy Hodgson, Allardyce has picked wide players, although Barkley has become a victim of his selection.
Wayne Rooney was, also, interestingly listed as a midfielder in the 23-man squad to face Slovakia away on Sunday, with recalls for Danny Drinkwater as well as Theo Walcott and central defender Phil Jagielka.
