England manager Sam Allardyce has claimed that uncapped Michail Antonio's "guts and desire" prove that he deserves a place in the Three Lions squad.
The West Ham United player, who has scored two goals in three Premier League games this season, sealed a place in Allardyce's 23-man squad for Sunday's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.
When asked about Antonio's inclusion, Allardyce told reporters: "The quality of the player that has shone through in every league he's played in, and the impact, his attacking flair, and scoring record form a wide position - that's what has made me pick him.
"I think it deserves to be in this squad, for me to have a look at him going forward. It's similar to Jamie Vardy. It shows how much it means if you've got guts and desire."
Meanwhile, Allardyce has insisted that the "door will always be open" for Ross Barkley after the Everton midfielder was excluded from the squad.
Danielle Joynson
