West Ham United speedster Michail Antonio has been rewarded for his fine recent form by being called up the the England squad.
Sam Allardyce announced the news of his first squad ahead of the countries upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.
The former Nottingham Forest man has surprised many of late by being used as a wing back for Slaven Bilic’s side. Here’s Big Sam explaining his decision to include him.
And the surprises didn’t end there.
Also included in the squad is the fateful return of whippet like striker-come-winger Theo Walcott, however fell teammate Jack Wilshere has been left behind.
Elsewhere, it’s pretty much same old.
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Man City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)
Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Man City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham), Michail Antonio (West Ham), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Strikers: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Must say, the no inclusion of former Allardyce captain Mark Noble continues to puzzle us.
And what’s that? Yup, Rooney named as a midfielder.
Great.