On Monday 27th June 2016 England suffered their worst
humiliation since 1950 when they were knocked out of the 1950 World Cup by USA
when they lost to Iceland. The writing was on the wall. England had lost in the
first round of 16. They had been outfought and out thought in a game which many
of the fans expected to win comfortably. After the game Hodgson fell on his
sword and announced his resignation from the England manager job. Ever since
Sam Allardyce (Big Sam) got the
England job many have been wondering if he would bring in some of the players
in which he has managed. He has kept the core of the squad the same and brought
in some “old faces” back into the squad but the biggest inclusion and story was
definitely Michail Gregory
Antonio.
In the England
press conference on Monday Allardyce spoke confidently about Antonio he mentioned three key parts of his
game his attacking flair, crossing ability and goal record. Antonio’s football
journey is captivating similar to Jamie Vardy his rise from Non-league team
Tooting and Mitcham United to West Ham is amazing. Last season Antonio scored 8
goals in 26 appearances. His goals are a big part of his game and since August
2015 no English midfielder has scored more premier league goals then him (10),
as well as his fantastic ability in the air with 8 of his 10 goals for West Ham
being headers. He will bring something different to the England Squad.
It’s a breath of
fresh air to see Drinkwater in the squad who probably should have gone to Euro
2016 and Luke Shaw, who has now fully recovered from his horrific double leg fracture
and now is form. Theo Walcott’s form and injuries caused him to miss out on
Euro 2016 and he is now back in.
When Allardyce
was asked if Rooney being selected as a midfielder was a reflection of where he
sees him playing he replied by indicating That he would play in a position
similar to where he plays at Man Utd. He will probably play as an attacking
midfielder or possibly a striker. The captaincy will be announced on Tuesday 30th
August 2016.
As for Rashford
Allardyce said that if he had been playing regularly and performing for Man Utd
he would be in his squad, although he scored the winner at Hull on the weekend
he has only been picked for Man Utd as a substitute. Allardyce believes it will
be better for him to be part of the U21 side.
It has been 11
weeks since England played Slovakia that and that ended 0-0. Allardyce had this
to say about his first game:
“We analysed
the game in the Euros in particular but I think their tactics will be different
out in Slovakia. In the Euros, we all knew one point was enough for them and
they made a solid defensive unit that was difficult to break down, because they
weren't interested in playing any type of attacking football. I think we have
to plan for them playing on their own turf this time."
Everybody will be eager to see how this England side
play’s on Sunday 4th September. New squad, New era.
