Antonio in, Barkley out as Allardyce names 1st England squad

West Ham United winger Michail Antonio admits that he is “overwhelmed” by his inclusion in Sam Allardyce’s first England squad.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is also included in Allardyce’s 23-man squad despite losing his place in his club side’s starting line-up, with a transfer before Wednesday’s deadline looking increasingly likely following the signing of Claudio Bravo.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s star teenager Marcus Rashford has been left out after being called up to England’s under-21s for their European Championships qualifier against Norway.

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, Everton’s Phil Jagielka, Leicester City’s Danny Drinkwater and Arsenal’s Theo Walcott returned after missing Euro 2016, where defeat by Iceland in the last 16 cost Roy Hodgson his job. It looks like the gaffer now believes that I’ve done enough to be in there, so hopefully I can prove him right.

The 26-year-old who has made three appearances for his country, including a Man of the Match performance against the Netherlands in March.

Antonio is the only uncapped player in Allardyce’s first England squad and most notably there was no room for Everton’s Ross Barkley. “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’. Barkley was one of just two players who failed to get on the pitch during England’s short-lived worldwide tournament appearance but has had a very good start to the season under new Toffees boss Ronald Koeman. “I got slightly emotional when I found out”.

“All I can do is go out there on the global stage and show there is a reason why the gaffer has called me up”.

No captain has been named.

John Terry’s name was unsurprisingly absent.

Allardyce had refused to rule out contacting the retired former captain last week, but it is understood he was never a candidate to feature.

But new England boss Allardyce has not been put off by his indifferent defensive displays and will surely use him in attack where he impressed mostly last season.

There is also no spot for Mark Noble or Jack Wilshere in the midfield.