Chris Sutton: England missed a trick by not keeping Antonio
West Ham United secured a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Sunday, with Michail Antonio grabbing the goal.
The Jamaican international now has six goals and three assists in eight Premier League games, and Chris Sutton is wondering why England did not hold on to him.
Antonio was called up by the Three Lions twice but did not get to play and has since switched to the Reggae Boyz, making his debut in September’s World Cup qualification clash against Panama.
The Hammers star has been in terrific form in recent months, and Sutton insists Jamaica’s gain is England’s loss.
He told the Daily Mail: “Watching Antonio now, there’s a strong case to say England missed a trick by not ensuring he was theirs.
“He’s in the form of his life, but he belongs to Jamaica now, unfortunately.”
Miss?
England have Harry Kane as their first-choice striker, but the Spurs star has struggled in front of goal this term, failing to make an impact against West Ham yesterday.
Southgate is not short of quality striking options, though, but none of them can offer what Antonio brings to the table.
No England player has more goals than the Hammers star right now, and none can harry a defence like he can.
The Three Lions boss is not likely to have any regrets as he last handed him an invite in 2017, but there is no denying that he could do with a striker with the skill-set of Antonio.
West Ham will have no complaints as they want him in peak conditions all the time, and not playing for England helps with that.
Travel restrictions mean he does not get to play for Jamaica always, and avoiding the long travels is good for his fitness level.
In other West Ham news, Jack Wilshere has predicted major Hammers exit, but reckons one goal would stop it.
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