Antonio follows in Vardy footsteps

Jamie Vardy showed last season that it’s possible to go from non-league to England and Michail Antonio is thrilled to have written the next chapter in his own fairytale story.

The West Ham winger started his career at Tooting & Mitcham United and only got his first taste of the Premier League last season after joining the Hammers from Nottingham Forest.

But a fine start to the new campaign, with two goals in three games – including the first goal at the Olympic Stadium – has seen him catch the eye of Allardyce.

(Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

And having turned down the chance to play for Jamaica earlier this year, Antonio was delighted to have been given his chance with England.

“I’m overwhelmed,” he said.

“I got slightly emotional when I found out. It’s just one of those things that I’ve always dreamt of playing for England as a kid, so now for it to happen after I’ve worked my way from non-league to where I am now, I am just so happy.

“I don’t even know what to say – words can’t explain how happy I am!

“I just give my all every time I go on the field, so for me to called-up by England, I don’t know what to say! All I can do is go out there on the international stage and show there is a reason why the gaffer has called me up.

“I didn’t think that it would happen this quick, but I always said to myself that if I could get into the Premier League and keep playing the way I do, hopefully I could get into the England squad.

“I just want to keep my feet on the floor. In my first season in the Premier League, even though I had good stats, the England manager would have had to take a risk on me.

“It looks like the gaffer now believes that I’ve done enough to be in there, so hopefully I can prove him right.”