New Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce announced the 23-member England squad on Sunday for their 2018 World Cup Group F qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday, September 4.
Out-of-favour Man City goalkeeper has been included in the squad, while Man Utd prodigy Marcus Rashford has been axed.
Daniel Sturridge has seen a dip in his form at the start of the new season but despite lack of game time, he has been included as one of the main strikers beside Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane.
West Ham winger Michail Antonio is all set to make his debut for England after being included in the England setup for the first time.
? @OfficialBigSam tells FATV why he's named @Michailantonio in his first #ThreeLions squad https://t.co/oLzWvJvKxC
— England (@England) August 28, 2016
While commenting on Antonio’s selection, Sam Allardyce said: “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. He scored nine goals in his first season and he’s a terrific athlete, a good crosser and a goal-scorer.”
Luke Shaw makes a return to the England squad after recovering from a broken leg injury that he pulled up against PSV last year.
Theo Walcott made the cut, while Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere and Everton’s Ross Barkley has been dropped from the new squad.
Talking to the FA ahead of the announcement, Allardyce said: “I think every player that’s on top of his game at the moment and every player who’s played for England recently, we’ve monitored through the start of the Premier League…”
? @OfficialBigSam names his first #ThreeLions squad, with a debut call-up for @WestHamUtd winger @Michailantonio. pic.twitter.com/TbEeMzBzEA
— England (@England) August 28, 2016
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)
Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Strikers: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
