West Ham United star and last season’s Hammer of the Year Michail Antonio is eyeing up a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
Antonio was named in Southgate’s squad earlier this year in March for games against both Lithuania and Germany, however had to withdraw through injury.
The former Nottingham Forest star picked up the knock whilst on duty with West Ham, and has been sidelined since. He however expected to make his long awaited return against another of his former club’s, Southampton, this weekend when Slaven Bilic’s side travel to St Mary’s.
Eager to impress upon his return to action, the winger is looking as far ahead as next summer, and is making it his ‘mission’ to be selected for the tournament in Russia.
“The World Cup takes place in Russia next summer and that’s definitely a target of mine. I got called up twice by England last year and a third time in the summer, when I couldn’t go because I was injured.” said Antonio speaking on whufc.com.
“With it being a World Cup year, I definitely want to be involved in that because it’s every boy’s dream to play in a World Cup. That is my mission this season.”
A true non-league to stardom story, Antonio even cheekily hinted that England could once again lift the prestigious trophy if he was indeed to be included.
“Every time England take three West Ham players to a World Cup, they win it! It’s only happened once, so really it could possibly be the plan for next summer!”
