Allardyce’s maiden England squad: 10 potential surprise call-ups from Premier League sides
Lee Gormley | August 26, 2016
Surprise call-ups to Allardyce’s first England squad
Following a disastrous Euro 2016 in France, England are in a period of transition, with Sam Allardyce having since taken over Roy Hodgson’s role as Three Lions boss ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
The former West Ham United and Sunderland coach has a tough task of lifting his inherited side’s spirits ahead of crucial World Cup qualifying clashes, having been drawn in Group F alongside close rivals Scotland.
With Allardyce now in charge, speculation has been rife regarding his potential squad selections for the upcoming qualifier against Slovakia next week.
So, Coral outline 10 potential surprise England call-ups from Premier League teams that the new boss could look to, when making his decision on Sunday night…
Curtis Davies
At 31 years of age, time is not on Hull City skipper Davies’ side, but a great start to the season has seen him move into contention for international recognition under Allardyce, having helped the Tigers win their opening two Premier League games.
Davies is his club’s only fit natural centre back and has been instrumental in early success in the heart of defence.
Michail Antonio
Another player knocking on the door for England is West Ham’s talented wideman Antonio, whose impressive performances last term led to calls from Slaven Bilic and many pundits for him to gain a Euro 2016 spot.
It never materialised and the Three Lions clearly lacked out and out width during their demise on French soil, though his tricky and direct approach could hand Allardyce a huge boost this month if called upon.
Ryan Shawcross
Stoke City skipper Shawcross, a youth product of Manchester United, has a token England cap in his career to date, having featured in a friendly against Sweden back in 2012.
The 28-year-old has long been one of the most consistent centre backs in the top-flight and would be a useful asset for Allardyce to have in his set-up, especially if set-pieces and reliable long balls forward are in his tactical mindset.
Mark Noble
The fact Hammers midfielder Noble is yet to pick up a single England cap in his career is baffling, with the one-club stalwart having been constantly overlooked at international level.
Although, Allardyce is a well-known admirer of the Londoner and his central abilities both on and off the ball could be a helpful boost against Slovakia, after another encouraging start to the new campaign.
John Terry
Chelsea’s most successful captain in history Terry has been tipped for a return to the England scene for several years, having previously skippered his country from August 2006 to February 2010 and again from March 2011 to February 2012.
The experienced Premier League centre back, now 35 years of age, initially announced his international retirement four years ago but could yet be tempted into once again donning his nation’s colours under Allardyce.
Terry is 4/1 to make a surprise return and play for England once again, with his potential comeback to the Three Lions set to cause much controversy among fans and possibly within the set-up.
Gareth Barry
Everton midfielder Barry has been in superb form at the beginning of this current campaign, and his blistering start for Ronald Koeman’s Toffees sees the prospect of an international recall discussed by pundits.
The 35-year-old was selected for Euro 2012 but ultimately missed the tournament through injury and has not featured for the Three Lions since. Though, his recent showings in Everton’s midfield will have surely forced himself into Allardyce’s thinking.
Danny Drinkwater
Overlooked for Euro 2016 during the summer despite a Premier League title triumph last season for Leicester City, Drinkwater was hugely unlucky not to go to France, with Hodgson opting for an injury prone Jack Wilshere instead and other seemingly safer options
Lee Cattermole
Sunderland midfielder Cattermole epitomises the type of hard-tackling, energetic player Allardyce desires in his central areas.
The Wearside hatchet man played for his country from Under-16 up to Under-21 level but is yet to earn a senior cap, though that could change in the coming days.
Jermain Defoe
With Defoe and Allardyce having worked together at Sunderland before, the latter will likely look to his former striker for a spot in his first squad, having dispatched 15 league goals to help the Northeast side avoid relegation last term.
The prolific poacher has not played for England for three years, but his latest goal against Manchester City on the opening day of the season will have edged him closer to an international career revival.
Andros Townsend
Now at Crystal Palace, former Spurs winger Townsend will also hope for an international rejuvenation under Allardyce, with the attacker having already earned 11 caps but was axed by Hodgson for Euro 2016.
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