QPR and ex-Southampton and West Brom striker Charlie Austin has heaped praise on Michail Antonio, claiming the experienced West Ham marksman is good enough for an England call-up.
Recent reports have claimed that Antonio is preparing to switch his international allegiance to Jamaica ahead of a World Cup push from the Caribbean side – but Austin felt Antonio has been overlooked.
The former Nottingham Forest attacker has scored 16 goals in his last 28 Premier League for West Ham and has played an integral role this season in the Hammers’ push for a European spot.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Austin was quick to highlight the standout attributes that render Antonio as a goal threat to be reckoned with as he buoys the Irons’ lofty ambitions:
“He offers something completely different; strong, powerful and can run in behind.
“He’s a defender’s nightmare! I don’t think anyone in the Premier League would like to play against him.
“He would be a long shot to get in the England side. But is he completely different to everyone else? I think so.”
Read West Ham Verdict
West Ham fans will be surely appreciative of the qualities that Antonio brings to the London Stadium, but a Three Lions call-up looks like a tough feat to accomplish.
Danny Ings, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Tammy Abraham, Callum Wilson, Patrick Bamford and of course, England captain Harry Kane are just some of the in-form strikers this season that Antonio would need to muscle in with.
That should not prevent Gareth Southgate from facing a selection headache were Antonio to go on a scoring run, but there are a plethora of factors that could keep Antonio out.
