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Declan on Antonio’s international choice

Michail Antonio’s club captain might have felt that for a “defender’s worst nightmare” to pledge himself to another international team is really bad news.

But Declan – who has been doing a lot of talking while away with the Three Lions – is content with the Hammers striker’s decision to join Jamaica.

The No 30 has only been called up under Sam Allardyce and later by Gareth Southgate but never got a shout at inclusion in the starting line up and has since been ignored.

As a result he has made up his mind to join forces with Jamaica despite having not been selected for the latest round of internationals

Declan might have been expected to plead Mikey’s case but believes England are well placed to cope up front without his team-mate’s obvious strengths and is obviously keen that he makes a successful entry into the international game with Jamaica.

Rice said: “It’s not one I’ve ever really spoken to him about. Obviously he was called up but never really got the chance to come on and play.

“He’s such a handful. I see it every day in training. He’s so strong. He holds the ball up well. He makes efficient runs in behind. He’s a defenders worst nightmare.

“We’ve got other strikers that pledged themselves to England that haven’t got in the squad lately who can easily fill the boots of Antonio, so, we’re well prepared with strikers.”

 

 

 

 

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

6 comments on “Declan on Antonio’s international choice

  1. Declan talks too much. He could have worded this one a bit better as well “Can easily fill the boots of Antonio.” Even if I get what he means.

    • Agree about the wording, but “rice talks too much”? He’s becoming more and more important to England and he’s captain of West Ham. Of course, because of these reasons, reporters and interviewers are seeking him out for his views on everything. What should he do? Refuse to answer questions? Refuse to comment when asked for his opinion? We’re all allowed to express our opinions, why can’t Declan?

  2. “We’ve got other strikers that pledged themselves to England that haven’t got in the squad lately who can easily fill the boots of Antonio, so, we’re well prepared with strikers.”
    Not quite sure about what Declan is trying to say here. Pledged? Antonio has always been pledged. Easily fill boots? I don’t see anyone in England set up or on the horizon who could possibly fill Michail’s boots. Loads of run of the mill players who could occupy Antonio’s position. Can’t see any fitting Declan’s description of the defenders nightmare.
    Really hope that Michail Antonio gets some international recognition from somewhere.
    Seems to me that Antonio/England is a bit like Mascherano/West Ham. He’s far too good for his team mates to keep up.
    COYI

    • Spot on, agree!
      The more I look at Antonio, the more I realise that he is a unique player and a massive threat… I still feel that he is a Big Loss to England, but its obvious that he has made the right choice as he simply wouldn’t get the game time with England.

  3. Cut Dec some slack. Professionals are trained to speak with the media. I doubt that our players any real guidance.
    Very happy for Antonio. Have fun but don’t get injured.

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