So the new boss of the Three Lions has named his first England squad of his reign and the side will be battling Slovakia in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Trnava on September 4. Manchester United’s youngster Luke Shaw has marked his return to the squad after missing the Euro 2016 due to the injury, while Arsenal’s speedster Theo Walcott and Leicester’s engine Danny Drinkwater have also been recalled after been snubbed off from the European Championship.
Furthermore, the former Hammer’s manager has selected Everton’s skipper Phil Jagielka, but his clubmate Ross Barkley has been left out alongside Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere. The back line seemingly remained unchanged as only Shaw is the newcomer, and the further surprise to the squad is the addition of West Ham United’s rising star Michail Antonio. Since joining the Hammers from Nottingham Forest in September 2015, the Londoner has observed a great rise in his form and that has result really well for the 26-year-old.
With Andy Carroll missing the cut due to his injury, many would have thought that the manager would choose Jermain Defoe, but the big Sam has omitted him from the list, and Daniel Sturridge alongside Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy has made it to the list.
Furthermore, the surprise name into the squad is that of Liverpool’s skipper Jordan Henderson, who has made it to the team even after having a terrible season with the Reds last term. Thanks to an injury-full season, the 26-year-old was only managed 17 Premier League appearances last term.
Till date, the player hasn’t shown any realistic improvement in his form; still, he has been selected ahead of Everton’s midfield sensation Ross Barkley. The 22-year-old was an unused player in England’s Euro 2016 squad and would have hoped for a better start under the new manager, but it seems like, the player will have to wait for some more time.
To add to the point, the manager certainly had an upgraded option in form of West ham United’s skipper Mark Noble. The 29-year-old, who scored seven goals for the Hammers last season was a surprise omission in the Squad for Euro and many would have thought that he will finally get his much-deserved chance under Big Sam, but even the new manager has overlooked his form and has decided to drop him.
Talking particularly about Henderson, the player, undoubtedly, is a quality star, but right at this very moment, the things aren’t working for him and just due to this, he isn’t producing anything concrete and that can be clearly seen in his recent performances for the club. Even the former Everton star Kevin Kilbane has criticized his recent performance and has clearly stated that he isn’t the perfect candidate, who can drive his team to glory.
“Is he going to be a player who drives a team to success? Personally, I don’t see it,” Kilbane told Newstalk’s Off The Ball podcast.
As soon as the Big Sam announced his squad, people started reacting on social media, and it seems like they are not really impressed by the former Hammer’s boss.
Wow.. Still no call up for Noble but Antonio’s call up is completely deserved ⚒ #COYI https://t.co/Xv1BRLa4GO
— Billy Boy ✌️ (@BillyBoyHere) August 28, 2016
Delighted for @Michailantonio getting in the England squad but can’t believe @Noble16Mark hasn’t made it in! Mr reliable! #COYI
— Gavin Kennedy (@gav182) August 28, 2016
But Henderson and other get in #EnglandSquad
— Mr Wyatt (@ultimate_wyatt) August 28, 2016
Barkley’s fit. Ridiculous decision by Allardyce. One of the most talented young players in the country, form of his life – dropped by #eng
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 28, 2016
England squad in full:
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).
