Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes England have ‘missed a trick’ regarding West Ham ace Michail Antonio.
The 31-year-old recently switched allegiances to Jamaica having failed to feature for the Three Lions.
Antonio has since made a debut for the Caribbean nation following a spell of superb form for the past 18 months for the Hammers.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Sutton claimed Gareth Southgate may regret allowing the London-born forward to represent his parents’ nation.
Watching Antonio now, there’s a strong case to say England missed a trick by not ensuring he was theirs. He’s in the form of his life, but he belongs to Jamaica now, unfortunately.
The former Tooting & Mitcham non-league star had previously been included in England squads under both Sam Allardyce and Southgate but failed to make a senior bow.
So far this season the talismanic frontman has scored seven and assisted four goals in 10 appearances.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Somewhat of a let bloomer having spent much of his early career as a versatile journeyman, Antonio is undoubtedly worthy of a spot in Southgate’s plans.
Currently, the £10.8million valued man is outgunning England’s top marksman Harry Kane in the Premier League and if available would be a contender to lead the line in place of the captain.
That said, it’s clear to see why the Iron would opt for Jamaica, if only to increase his chances of appearing at a World Cup before hanging up his well-worked boots.
Ultimately Antonio will go down as another nearly England man from West Ham in recent years – joining Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan and in many respects, Aaron Creswell.
