Sam Allardyce: 'Michail Antonio in outstanding form'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 28 August 2016

England boss Sam Allardyce heaps praise on Michail Antonio after including the West Ham United winger in his first squad in charge of the Three Lions.

Sam Allardyce has heaped praise on Michail Antonio after including the West Ham United winger in his first England squad.

Antonio has scored two goals in three Premier League outings this season, but was still a surprise selection in the 23-man party to face Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier next month.

However, Allardyce insists that Antonio's form justifies his inclusion and is looking forward to the new man joining up with the rest of the squad.

"I think he's in outstanding form. 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," Allardyce told the FA's official website.

"He scored nine goals in his first season and he's a terrific athlete, a good crosser and a goalscorer. I'm looking forward to him coming, and looking forward to meeting everybody. Hopefully we will have a good few days' preparation and get to know each other on the basis of trying to go and win in Slovakia."

Allardyce has also handed recalls to the likes of Luke Shaw, Theo Walcott, Phil Jagielka and Danny Drinkwater in his maiden squad.