WHZ View: Is there hope for Antonio with the England squad?
West Ham boss David Moyes has admitted he’d rather see Michail Antonio get called up for England, amid reports that Jamaica have him on their radar.
After some injury concerns, the striker is now back in the Hammers side and has scored in consecutive games against Spurs and Manchester City.
The Telegraph first reported last month that Antonio was set to switch international allegiances and represent Jamaica. Despite being called up by Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate, he’s never played a match for England.
As quoted by the Daily Mirror, Moyes claimed he’d rather Antonio plays for the Three Lions as it would mean less travelling.
He said: “In no way am I saying him choosing Jamaica would be a bad choice because I’m not saying that.
“But, slightly for selfish reasons, if he was selected for England it would mean he has less travelling than if he does choose Jamaica.
“At the moment, I just want him to keep playing well for us and the big thing will be for him to keep fit and in a good physical condition.”
How does he compare?
If Antonio were to stick with England he’d have an almighty battle on his hands. It would seem that Southgate is set on Harry Kane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the European Championships. There is certainly, though, one more spot for a striker still undecided.
Arguments can be made for Antonio, Patrick Bamford, Callum Wilson, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings. But how does our talisman compare to the rest?
Mick has seven goals and three assists in 17 Premier League appearances this season for West Ham. He’s spent two months out of the side, missing the majority of November and December with calf problems.
In his last eight games, he’s found form again, scoring four and assisting four as we continue to push for Europe. But his ten-goal involvements are some-way off the rest of the attackers in the hunt.
Bamford is also yet to be capped by his country but is arguably in the best form. He’s finally beginning to live up to his potential and has been clinical this year for Leeds. The number nine has scored 13 league goals but also assisted five for his teammates. He’s level on goals with Calvert-Lewin, but the Toffees striker is yet to create any goals.
It seemed as though Wilson of Newcastle would be the third man, but his untimely injury may rule him out of the race. The Magpies frontman has scored 10 times in the top flight and assisted five, and has scored for his country before. Newcastle have slipped down the table in his absence.
Watkins and Ings are two outsiders. Based on last season Ings would be a shoo-in, however, he’s struggled this term. Persistent injuries have limited him to just the eight league goals and three assists. Watkins has looked impressive in his first season in the top flight with 13 goals involvements, but this tournament may come a season too soon as he is yet to be capped.
Antonio is a different player to the rest of those pushing for spots. His combination of pace and power make him a nightmare for any defender, and he’s proved his ability to adapt with his transition into a striker. The only thing that may work against him is his age. He’s 30 at the moment, and Southgate has a track record for selecting younger talent.
It’s a shame, but if he wants to play international football, Jamaica may be his best option. Moyes has every reason to be concerned by this possibility. He and his coaching staff do well to micromanage Anotnio’s fitness.
They’ve handled him delicately this year and he’s still managed to pick up some injuries. There is a definite fear he won’t be handled properly if he were to travel and represent Jamaica.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are eyeing Sasa Kaladjzic of Stuttgart to potentially strengthen their striking options.