That didn’t take long.
Sam Allardyce’s honeymoon as England manager appears to be over, and his team haven’t even lost to the smallest country to qualify for an international tournament yet.
The England manager named his first squad since succeeding Roy Hodgson, as he looks to get his tenure underway to a win next Sunday against Slovakia.
Michail Antonio is the only uncapped player in the squad, but it was those not included that proved to be the main talking point.
There’s no place for Antonio’s West Ham teammate Mark Noble, who was repeatedly overlooked by Hodgson despite being in good form for his club, and England regular Jack Wilshere.
Allardyce said of Antonio: “I think he’s in outstanding form.
“This is another lad with a great journey – it’s a fantastic journey that he’s been on, from non-league to now an international call-up. He scored nine goals in his first season and he’s a terrific athlete, a good crosser and a goal-scorer.
“I’m looking forward to him coming, and looking forward to meeting everybody. Hopefully we will have a good few days’ preparation and get to know each other on the basis of trying to go and win in Slovakia.”
However, the omission of midfielder Ross Barkley, who has started the season well for Everton, caused the most consternation amongst England fans….
Ross Barkley left out for England as he wont play long balls punting the ball aimlessly forward. #fatsam #Eng
— Rob Smith (@Rob99Smith) August 28, 2016
No Ross Barkley? Poor shout for me
— Alfie Egan (@AlfieEgan18) August 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/SirjeetSingh/status/769990918141247488
And particularly members of the press.
Barkley's fit. Ridiculous decision by Allardyce. One of the most talented young players in the country, form of his life – dropped by #eng
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 28, 2016
Very surprised at Barkley's exclusion for England – already looking fitter & more confident under the guidance of Ronald Koeman at Everton.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) August 28, 2016
Ross Barkley just unfortunate to get two England managers in his era (Hodgson/Allardyce) who are in many respects real life Mike Bassett's.
— John Merro (@johnmerro1) August 28, 2016
Three of best players on Goodison pitch yesterday? Barry, Baines & Barkley. Big Sam must have been gutted they’re not English… oh… hang on…
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) August 28, 2016
Big difference from Hodgson's squad: Allardyce has picked wingers. Clearly (rightly IMHO) wants width. That's why Barkley (wrongly IMHO) out
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKay) August 28, 2016
England.
Antonio 👍🏻
Been a critic of Barkley but he's going to add more than Henderson in the future.
Rest, as expected.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) August 28, 2016
Barkley paying the price for not being a hoof-ball specialist or a wallflower that can be cajoled by Allardyce https://t.co/5RPBoIaHZK
— Richard Buxton (@RichardBuxton_) August 28, 2016
Why would anyone who had a talent like Barkley available not want to work with him?
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) August 28, 2016
You’d think because the last guy lost to Iceland, and oversaw two embarrassing exits from international tournaments, Big Sam would be given the benefit of the doubt for his first few months in-charge, but evidently not.
Read more from SportsJOE:
