England news: Sam Allardyce insists the 'door is always open' for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley

The 61-year-old also handed a surprise inclusion to West Ham United’s Michail Antonio

Sam Allardyce addresses the English media (Getty)

England manager Sam Allardyce says the “door is always open” for Ross Barkley after omitting the Everton midfielder in his first squad since taking charge of the national side.

The 61-year-old also handed a surprise inclusion to West Ham United’s Michail Antonio ahead of the World Cup qualifying matches against Slovakia this coming Sunday night.

Speaking at a press conference at St George’s Park, former Sunderland boss Allardyce said: “It’s been a well thought-out squad. We’ve had to make some very difficult decisions, none more so than Ross Barkley.

“For him it’s disappointing but the door is always open and I have to make these decisions. I feel the squad I‘ve picked is the right one at this moment.”

Antonio, meanwhile, was handed his first England call up after scoring for West Ham in the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.

“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,” Allardyce added.

“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.”

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