Michail Antonio: West Ham are in the wrong after ‘big’ news in last 24 hours – pundit
West Ham should not force Michail Antonio to sit out on international duty this week, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker delivered his verdict after Antonio was left out of the Jamaica squad yesterday (21 March) for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The 31-year-old switched allegiances to the Reggae Boyz at the beginning of this season and he now has three goals in six international appearances.
However, his domestic form has taken a hit as a result of travelling halfway across the globe on international breaks.
He has not been given a chance to rest by David Moyes with no other senior striker in the Hammers’ squad.
Antonio has scored 10 times in all competitions this season but has not found the net in the Premier League since the beginning of January.
As quoted by the London Evening Standard on Monday (21 March) after West Ham’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham, Moyes claimed he needed more from his striker.
“He’s chosen to play for his country, he should be allowed to do that,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Playing for Jamaica will be a big thing for him and he shouldn’t be told to rest when other players go to play for their country, like Declan Rice.
“It’s one of those things, he’s going to want to play for his country.”
Antonio has started 35 of West Ham’s 44 games across all competitions this season.
He became the club’s record Premier League goalscorer earlier this term and he now has 54 goals in the competition.
In other news, a medical expert has revealed why David Moyes has been a ‘nightmare’ to deal with this season at West Ham.