Does Michail Antonio deserve a place at Euro 2016?

Although the name ‘Michail Antonio’ wasn’t exactly on the tip of everybody’s lips before the 2015/16 campaign first got underway, West Ham’s £7 million summer acquisition has certainly caused a stir with his goal-scoring exploits down at Upon Park in recent weeks, and the results have proven rather promising for the Hammers faithful in general.

 

The former Southampton, Reading and Nottingham Forest man may have experienced a somewhat forgettable start to his West Ham career before the turn of the year, but after netting past Liverpool, Aston Villa and Sunderland in recent league outings, the 25-year-old wide-man seems to have improved upon his fortunes rather effectively of late it must be said…

 

So, in light of Michail Antonio’s sudden rise among the English top-flight – does the in-form Hammers man deserve a place with the Three Lions at Euro 2016 this summer, or will Roy Hodgson ultimately look past the goal-scoring attacker when the highly anticipated tournament finally comes around?

 

Well, although very few expected Antonio to be in contention for an illustrious international call-up just a few short months ago, the hype surrounding West Ham’s bustling wide-man has certainly been amped-up a level in recent weeks…

 

Said for weeks now, England could do a lot worse than include Michail Antonio in the squad.

— Dan&Aly (@dan_aly) 27 February 2016

 

Even though he is not the only in-form Hammers player to receive praise this season however…

 

Noble, Antonio and Cresswell need to be in England contention, its not even funny at this point, all 3 are having fantastic seasons #COYI

— Jack Teesdale (@JDTeesdale) 27 February 2016

 

…many seemingly expect Roy Hodgson to call upon a succession of old favourites instead of the recently acquired Hammers no. 30…

 

Watch Walcott get a spot in England's Euro 2016 team when it should be Antonio…

— Uber Chelsea FC (@UberCheIseaFC) 28 February 2016

 

Not every Premier League watcher has been left convinced over Michail Antonio’s potential on the international scene though…

 

The funniest moment of the day was seeing someone say Antonio deserves an England call up, comical that

— Daniel (@Daniel_Swfc) 27 February 2016

 

…which has apparently served to bemuse those who would love to see the former Nottingham Forest man shine at Euro 2016…

 

When someone says Antonio doesn't deserve an England call up. pic.twitter.com/rMCdRgPDni

— Mitchell Pearce ⚒ (@Pearcey_) 27 February 2016

 

There are indeed several England fans who would like to have a word with Roy if he fails to include the current Hammers winger at this summer’s competition…

 

If Antonio doesnt get a call-up for England then Hodgson deserves a life prison sentence. Only Alli, Kane & Barkley better than him recently

— Jack Lebeau (@JackLebeau66) 27 February 2016

 

…and perhaps England’s upcoming international friendlies could prove the perfect opportunity for Antonio to show what he is all about…

 

I reckon Antonio deserves an england chance in a friendly.Quality this year+in terms of out and out wingers england aren't blessed with them

— Ted Powell (@Westhamted) 10 February 2016

 

In the end, it may not be the most orthodox footballing opinion out there…

 

Slightly controversial, but Michail Antonio should go to Euro 2016.

— Harry (@HarryBlake69) 28 February 2016

 

…but after England’s most recent lack of form upon the international scene, perhaps Michail Antonio is one man who certainly deserves a place at Euro 2016 this summer!