Top 5: Players who could get an England call-up under Sam Allardyce

Sam Allardyce began his reign as England manager with a last minute victory against their main Group F competitors, Slovakia.

In his first game, the 61 year-old selected the majority of players who were involved for England at this summer’s European Championships, offering them a chance of redemption following an embarrassing campaign.

This meant that the likes of Joe Hart, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling – who all had extremely disappointing summers – were given an immediate opportunity to banish the painful memories of the failings at that tournament.

However, after only managing to just get past a Slovakia side who had been reduced to ten-men, the ex-Sunderland boss may not be so kind with his selection next time around.

‘Big Sam’ did give one call-up to an uncapped player in his latest squad as he drafted in West Ham United’s in-form winger Michail Antonio.

The inclusion of Antonio demonstrates that the new England boss isn’t too afraid to shake things up if necessary and, with that in mind, here are five potential players who could get an England call-up for the next World Cup Qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia…

Marc Albrighton

Albrighton played a key role in Leicester City’s title winning season and featured during every Premier League game of their campaign.

The ex-Aston Villa midfielder has 10 international caps for England Under 20’s and Under 21’s, but is yet to feature for the senior side.

A key factor that could help his breakthrough is the fact that he continues to provide great service to England forward Jamie Vardy.

Although the 26-year-old was overlooked for Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad, it surely can’t be too long before he gets noticed. Should Big Sam choose to employ a more direct style of play, Albrighton’s crossing ability could be crucial to making this succeed.

Jesse Lingard

During Euro 2016, England only had one real winger in Sterling and another wide player that could definitely interest the new boss is Manchester United’s Lingard.

The midfielder has impressed massively at Old Trafford and scored the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final and this year’s Community Shield.

The midfielder received his first call-up to the national squad for the friendly against France in November, but remained an unused sub.

Allardyce, however, is known for liking to have pace down the wings and the 23-year-old certainly has speed to burn.

The youngster is also very versatile and consistently maintains a high work-rate.

Mark Noble

Noble can count himself extremely unlucky that he is yet to win an England cap having been performing consistently at West Ham United for a number of years now.

The 29-year-old starred in last year’s campaign as The Hammers chased Champions League football, scoring seven times and assisting on four occasions, but missed out on Hodgson’s final England squad.

However, with his former boss now in charge of The Three Lions, his luck might just be about to change.

Allardyce is a big fan of the West Ham midfielder and his tireless work off the ball that helps to protect the defence could add another dimension to ‘Big Sam’s’ rejuvenated side.

Andy Carroll

Carroll isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but, when fully fit, the extra ability that he can bring to the England squad could be immeasurable.

Not many defences would have played against a player of his style and his ability in the air is unquestionable – not to mention that the 6ft 4in striker is more than capable of playing with the ball at his feet as well.

Of course, ‘Big Sam’ will be more than familiar with this as he signed the Geordie frontman for £15m whilst at West Ham.

He, of all people, will know that when fit and at his best, there are not many better options than Carroll.

Aaron Cresswell

Cresswell is another player that Sam Allardyce will be all too familiar with and since bringing him to Upton Park from Ipswich for £4m, the 26-year-old has got even better.

Despite being uncapped at any international level, the full-back is a very solid defender and also has an energetic presence on the wing.

Whilst England are well-stocked in the left-back department, with the likes of Luke Shaw, Danny Rose, Leighton Baines and Ryan Bertrand all competing for a spot, there is no reason as to why Cresswell cannot make this step up and assert himself at the highest level.

Surely it’s only a matter of time before Cresswell is called into the England fold.