‘Should absolutely be considered’ – Dean Ashton claims Antonio has Euros shot
Former West Ham striker Dean Ashton has called for Michail Antonio to go to the European Championships with England.
Antonio hasn’t received a call up to the national side since March 2017. He withdrew from what was Gareth Southgate’s first squad due to injury and hasn’t been back in the set up since.
In light of the news Antonio may play for Jamacia, Ashton stated his case for a place in the England squad for the European Championships this summer.
Speaking on the talkSPORT daily podcast, Ashton said: “Antonio played 27 games from the end of February [2020] until now and scored 15 goals.
“Patrick Bamford, in that same period has played 36 games and scored 17 goals. Championship and Premier League for him, Premier League for Antonio.
“His stats are right there, with someone who’s being touted to get into the squad. So from my point of view, he should absolutely be considered for the Euros, he should be considered for the next squad.
“He’s such a handful to play against, and he’s scoring the goals. And he’s improved as a player since he was called up by Southgate in his first squad.”
Maybe too late?
England are blessed with strikers at this moment in time. Kane, Calvert-Lewin, Ings, Wilson, Abraham, Bamford and Watkins are all probably ahead of Antonio.
That’s not us saying they’re any better than our number 30. Of that list of players, no one offers you what Antonio can. When he joined West Ham from Nottingham Forrest he was all about pace and power, but he was a bit raw.
His technical ability and all-round game have come on incredibly since being with us, in particular his transition into a striker. To echo Ashton, he’s a real handful and we’re a different threat all together with him in the side.
The main issue for him is age. Southgate worked with the England youth sides prior to taking the senior squad role.
All of the players coming into the team at the moment are ones he’s seen progress through the ranks, and has created a club-feel to the national set-up. He’s done a remarkable job with England and we just don’t see him changing his ways.
The opportunity to play for Jamacia has reportedly interested Antonio. He would no doubt be a star man for them and could even qualify for the World Cup in 2022.
They have a good attacking line, with Leon Bailey, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Ravel Morisson. His addition could see them make it to Qatar in 2022.
As for England, it doesn’t look likely. But it’s nice to see the big man getting some recognition, he definitely deserves it.
In other West Ham news, here are Stuart Pearce’s top three moments playing for the Hammers.