Antonio backing Carroll for England spot

  • by Staff Writer
  • Monday, 13th February 2017

Michail Antonio says he believes team mate Andy Carroll is ready for an England recall.

And despite missing Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion, Antonio thinks West Ham's in-form striker "deserves" a recall to the national squad - despite five years having passed since his last call-up.

"He is a quality player and I definitely feel he should get a call-up," he told West Ham's website. "If Andy keeps playing the way he is, he deserves a place in the England squad."

Antonio, who endured a frustrating afternoon against Albion also suggested that had the big striker been fit to play, the game may well have seen a more positive outcome.

"We missed Andy," he admitted. "West Brom are a big team and it would have been good to have his physicality on the pitch, but we have to make sure he is ready for the next game."




The 26-year-old has himself been linked with a recall, despite being left out of new England boss Gareth Southgate's most recent selection. However Antonio maintains that either way, for him it will be business as usual.

I'm going to keep playing my game and if I get called up, it will be great," he added. "I am not going to let it affect me; if the manager feels I have done enough he will name me in the squad.

"I just need to keep doing what I have at West Ham and hopefully I will get my opportunity."

Antonio - who has scored eight times for the Hammers so far this season - was included in Sam Allardyce's first England squad back in August, but subsequently dropped by Southgate when he named his in November.




Speaking at the time Southgate said: "It was very difficult to make the call to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Michail Antonio because I've seen them all playing in recent weeks and they've had good performances.

"But we have strength in depth and competition for places and any of these guys could force their way into the squad."

Carroll's last appearance for England came under Roy Hodgson in a 5-0 win against San Marino at Wembley back in October 2012. He was a 73rd minute substitute for Wayne Rooney.

His last goal for his country was this following bullet header against Sweden, a Euro 12 group match that England won 3-2...




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