Michail Antonio gets England call in Allardyce's first squad; Walcott returns, Barkley out

The midfielder, who plays for Allardyce’s former club, is the only uncapped player in the 23-man selection and it comes after his fine performances this season, where he has scored one goal, which clinched victory against Bournemouth a week ago.

Allardyce told FA TV that is was Antonio's "outstanding form" that saw him selected and also said that in terms of impact on his club, he was only behind Dimitri Payet last season. Mark Noble, however, who was tipped by many for a call-up, failed to get the nod from his former manager.

“This is another lad with a great journey," Allardyce said of Antonio. "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.”

Walcott earns a return to the squad after missing out on Euro 2016, while Wayne Rooney is also listed as a midfielder following his controversial selection in the position by former boss Roy Hodgson. There has been no confirmation yet that the Manchester United captain will retain the armband for his country as well.

Shaw and Phil Jagielka are also back in contention for a starting place after injuries blighted their seasons last time out.

Joe Hart is also included, as Allardyce insisted he would be, despite not being first choice for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this season. It remains to be seen if he will start in goal against Slovakia in the World Cup qualifier on Sunday, September 4.

John Terry's name was unsurprisingly absent from the announcement.

Allardyce had refused to rule out contacting the retired former captain last week but it is understood he was never a candidate to feature.

Elsewhere, Manchester City's Fabian Delph was overlooked in midfield, along with Everton's Ross Barkley, as was Sunderland's Jermain Defoe who rescued Allardyce's former club from relegation last season.

Goalkeepers: Forster (Southampton), Hart (Man City), Heaton (Burnley)

Defenders: Cahill (Chelsea), Clyne (Liverpool), Jagielka (Everton), Rose (Tottenham), Shaw (Man Utd), Smalling (Man Utd), Stones (Man City), Walker (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Alli (Tottenham), Antonio (West Ham), Dier (Tottenham), Drinkwater (Leicester), Henderson (Liverpool), Lallana (Liverpool), Rooney (Man Utd), Sterling (Man City), Walcott (Arsenal)

Forwards: Kane (Tottenham), Sturridge (Liverpool), Vardy (Leicester)