‘I can’t believe’: England told they’ve made a massive mistake when it comes to ‘perfect’ West Ham man

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Former Liverpool and England striker, Rickie Lambert, has told TalkSPORT that England have dropped the ball when it comes to West Ham’s Michail Antonio.

The explosive Hammers ace has been one of the standout forward players in recent seasons. This season he has not quite got going, with David Moyes opting to go with new signing Gianluca Scamacca.

However, away from West Ham, Lambert feels that Antonio could have played for England. And speaking on TalkSPORT, he admitted he can’t believe the Three Lions have overlooked the former Sheffield Wednesday man.

“The one who I said and I’ve said it before, Antonio for West Ham. I can’t believe we missed out on him for England. He would have been the perfect foil for Harry Kane,” Lambert said on TalkSPORT.

“The other strikers, Calvert-Lewin, he’s fit now he’s back scoring so he’s definitely up there to be included (in the World Cup squad). But yeah the biggest one for me was Antonio. Not only have we missed out on the World Cup but now obviously I think he’s playing for Jamaica. So I thought he was a big loss for England.”

Antonio has started just one of the last six Premier League games for West Ham. He has scored four goals in all competitions this season. With Jamaica, he has three in six after making his debut in 2021.

TBR’s View: Antonio missed the boat with England

Lambert makes a fair enough point here about Michail Antonio. However, whether he would have been the perfect foil for Harry Kane is open for debate.

Kane has excelled by having players buzzing around him who can create and drag defenders around. Sure, Antonio can use his pace and power to get in behind. But is he better than what England already have?

Obviously, Jamaica are now benefitting. But it seems odd from Lambert to call for Antonio to be included in the England World Cup squad when he isn’t even playing fo West Ham.