West Ham striker Michail Antonio is still waiting for his first cap for England but he has only been called up to the national team squad on two occasions. Former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce named Antonio in his squad for a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in 2016, where he didn't make the bench. More recently, Antonio was also included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for games against Germany and Lithuania. Unfortunately, he was forced to pull out after picking up a hamstring injury.
Antonio is now on one of the best runs of form in his career, so does he deserve another chance to show what he can do for the Three Lions? With the European Championship taking place next summer, the West Ham man will be trying desperately hard to impress before then. Southgate is not short of options up front at the moment. Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Danny Ings and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are all in great form for their respective clubs. And, as such, they have been his main options during England’s most recent fixtures.
The England boss is not afraid to give players a chance for the national team though, which gives hope for the likes of Antonio, Tammy Abraham and even Blackburn’s Adam Armstrong. The latter is one of the favourites in the English Championship odds to be the top scorer in his division this season at 7/1. Regardless of the league they are in, Southgate has been known to reward players who are in excellent form.
Antonio Helped Hammers Remain in The Premier League Last Season
Antonio played a crucial role in West Ham’s positive run of results at the end of the 2019/20 campaign which ensured they remained in the Premier League. In a game against Norwich back in July, he scored all four goals in the Hammers’ 4-0 victory over the Canaries at Carrow Road, the first player in the club’s Premier League history to do so.
The Englishman brought up his best tally for a campaign in the top-flight when he netted his 10th goal of the season at Old Trafford in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. That point guaranteed West Ham’s status in the Premier League.
Antonio has carried that form into the new season which will surely have caught the eye of Southgate. He has scored against Arsenal and Leicester, the latter in the Hammers’ excellent 3-0 victory over the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.
West Ham Man Can Offer Southgate Something Different
There is no doubting how impressive the likes of Kane, Ings and Rashford are in front of goal. Antonio, though, could offer Southgate a completely different option in his attacking line as he holds the ball up better than anyone in the Premier League.
It is very important that the England boss has options in his squad during the Euros next summer in order to adjust his tactics for different opposition. This is something which could play in Antonio’s favour.
Hopefully, the 30-year-old continues to score goals for West Ham, and if he does, he won’t have to wait much longer to get that deserved first England cap.
Comments
does he deserves it yes
But what would be the point? Vardy got it right why go be the best striker and in form and still not get picked because Kane has to play....its always been a problem with England...rmbr Mexico 86 people think the Barnes Beardsley Lineker was the best but forget if not for the injuries to Robson.Wilkins it would never have happened.
I think big Mic would be
I think big Mic would be considered too crude for the England set up. A battering ram. I'm all for it but I fear Sir Gareth would not entertain it now. For once we are blessed with forwards. I don't think he fits the model...
It has everything to do with perspective
I've listened to the opinions of fans, commentators and pundits alike talking from the perspective of knowledge and great understanding of what a player can and can't do...
Luckily Michail Antonio doesn't listen to these opinions and views, as was the case with Vardy and Ian Wright, players who didn't come through the conventional route and for that reason haven't been erased of natural instinct.
I'm with Glenn Hoddle, Graham Souness and Pablo Zabaleta in the knowledge that no defence wants to face Antonio with his relentless, pace, power, strength and indomitable will. So you have to ask yourself would he offer something different to what England have at present?
The answer is a resounding YESSSSSS!
More than good enough
But theres always the injury curse looming
He more than deserves it,he
He more than deserves it,he is a real power house,and storms through,very hard to contain,but to be honest i agree with 65,there is this injury issue,and i dont want him on the side lines for us crocked,i prefer club football to the national team,and feel that it is more important now.
I think most Hammers fans
I think most Hammers fans think the same, yes he deserves it and would play brilliantly, and yet he could get injured and be sidelined.
Yes
he does but he will not be picked,hope i am wrong as southgate likes golden boy,kane
A dose of reality called for
A dose of reality called for ,from a personal point of view i dont give a crap fot international football, and its not just because Ireland are useless ,i just prefere the prem ,I'd rather Ant stay at west ham and dont be worrying about playing for England ,he'll only pick up a long term injury
No thanks
Keep him fit for Club not country.
His style of play will always make him pron to injury (Like Andy Barrel) so better we wrap him in a blanket at home :o)
Well said Dartford.
Well said Dartford.
Its always nice Essex when we
Its always nice Essex when we see a WH player representing his country, it clearly adds value but the Beast is just Soooo easily injured due to style of play I selfishly want him fit for Claret and Blue!
So missing the BoM... you too buddy?
Oh mate,you wouldnt think so
Oh mate,you wouldnt think so,after watching that game Sunday even more so,even the bad times im missing,and as you know we had plenty of them,but reckon the beer helped with that lol