- Michail Antonio called up by England for the first time in his career
- Winger in squad for opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Slovakia
- West Ham United winger has netted eleven goals since joining a year ago
- Michail Antonio has expressed his delight and pride after earning his first England call-up.
The in-form West Ham United player, who scored for the second consecutive Premier League game at Manchester City on Sunday, has been included in Sam Allardyce’s squad for the Three Lions’ opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.
The No30’s inclusion comes after 12 outstanding months in a Claret and Blue shirt which have seen Antonio bag eleven goals and produce a series of powerful displays all over the pitch.
Speaking to West Ham TV, the 26-year-old was near tears as he revealed his pride at being included in the senior national squad just a few seasons after he was playing for non-league Tooting and Mitcham.
“I’m overwhelmed,” he revealed. “I got slightly emotional when I found out. It’s just one of those things that I’ve always dreamt of playing for England as a kid, so now for it to happen after I’ve worked my way from non-league to where I am now, I am just so happy.
“I don’t even know what to say – words can’t explain how happy I am!
“I just give my all every time I go on the field, so for me to called-up by England, I don’t know what to say! All I can do is go out there on the international stage and show there is a reason why the gaffer has called me up.”
A year ago, Antonio had not even joined West Ham or played a single minute of Premier League football.
Then, after completing his move from Nottingham Forest, the London-born star had to wait for his opportunity to shine in a West Ham shirt before making a huge impact over the winter and into the spring.
Vital goals against Liverpool, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Manchester United won games for his Club and won Antonio himself the hearts of the Hammers faithful.
Throw in a selection of unique celebrations and it is easy to see why Antonio has become a hero among West Ham fans in the space of a few short months.
“I didn’t think that it would happen this quick, but I always said to myself that if I could get into the Premier League and keep playing the way I do, hopefully I could get into the England squad,” he continued. “I turned down an approach from Jamaica in March and for this to happen so quickly, I’m buzzing!
“I just want to keep my feet on the floor. In my first season in the Premier League, even though I had good stats, the England manager would have had to take a risk on me.
“It looks like the gaffer now believes that I’ve done enough to be in there, so hopefully I can prove him right.
“It’s an amazing feeling and I just want to tell my missus and go home and hug my children and enjoy it with my children.
“I don’t even know what happens here. I have been called up, so I’ll have to ask the boys what I have to do, because I don’t know!”
First Team
Antonio gets first England call
28th August 2016