That didn't take long.
Sam Allardyce's honeymoon as England manager appears to be over, and his team haven't even lost to the smallest country to qualify for an international tournament yet.
The
England manager named his first squad since succeeding Roy Hodgson, as he looks to get his tenure underway to a win next Sunday against Slovakia.
Michail Antonio is the only uncapped player in the squad, but it was those not included that proved to be the main talking point.
There's no place for Antonio's West Ham teammate Mark Noble, who was repeatedly overlooked by Hodgson despite being in good form for his club, and England regular Jack Wilshere.
Allardyce said of Antonio: “I think he’s in outstanding form.
“This is another lad with a great journey – it’s a fantastic journey that he’s been on, from non-league to now an international call-up. He scored nine goals in his first season and he’s a terrific athlete, a good crosser and a goal-scorer.
“I’m looking forward to him coming, and looking forward to meeting everybody. Hopefully we will have a good few days’ preparation and get to know each other on the basis of trying to go and win in Slovakia.”
However, the omission of midfielder Ross Barkley, who has started the season well for Everton, caused the most consternation amongst England fans....
https://twitter.com/Rob99Smith/status/769991752677728256
https://twitter.com/AlfieEgan18/status/769991355976323072
https://twitter.com/SirjeetSingh/status/769990918141247488
And particularly members of the press.
https://twitter.com/henrywinter/status/769971045679960065
https://twitter.com/philmcnulty/status/769967769903390720
https://twitter.com/johnmerro1/status/769967838341857280
https://twitter.com/_ChrisBascombe/status/769971324714442754
https://twitter.com/OliverKayTimes/status/769975639654928385
https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/769981463660007428
https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/769985632848515073
https://twitter.com/Matt_Law_DT/status/769974004639825920
You'd think because the last guy lost to Iceland, and oversaw two embarrassing exits from international tournaments, Big Sam would be given the benefit of the doubt for his first few months in-charge, but evidently not.
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