England boss Sam Allardyce says the career “journey” of Michail Antonio led to the former Sheffield Wednesday winger being handed his first global call-up.
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“Wayne’s record speaks for itself”, said Allardyce who took over last month after England crashed out of the European Championship in the round of 16.
But that’s something that Rooney sees as a good thing for the protege, and has backed him to go on and become one of United’s most important players.
We’ve had to make some very hard decisions, none more so than Ross Barkley.
Everton, Sunderland and Torino are reportedly among the potential suitors for Hart, and Allardyce feels communication will be key during the player’s time with England.
Sam Allardyce has named uncapped West Ham midfielder Michail Antonio in his first England squad, but there is no place for Everton’s Ross Barkley. The 26-year-old has scored two goals in his past two games for the Hammers, including in Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Manchester City. I think it will be good for him. “It’s a bit similar to Jamie Vardy – it shows if you have got guts and determination and desire, how much it means”.
England drew 0-0 with Slovakia at Euro 2016, with Roy Hodgson’s changes backfiring as they finished second in Group B behind Wales, but Allardyce expects a different game this time.
It appears Rashford’s hopes of making an impact on the worldwide stage will depend heavily on first breaking into Jose Mourinho’s starting XI at Manchester United. “He knows that and he understands that and his time will come and he will get his chance for Manchester United and England”.
“He’s only a young man. Let’s not heap too much pressure on him just yet”.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford reflects on his game-winning goal against Hull City.
But he urged those left out of his squad for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier in Slovakia to “keep playing very well, and we’ll keep watching”.
The youngster is the creative player that England sometimes lack; Allardyce’s decision to overlook him is not permanent (he should still go on to play many times for his country), but peculiar nonetheless.
“I think he (Rooney) has enjoyed the responsibility”.
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The clamour for Allardyce to be appointed was incredibly loud from a mainstream media who wanted somebody English, and they were keen to tell us that he was no prehistoric neanderthal but a man with a laptop and a clear plan.
