England manager Sam Allardyce gave his verdict on Monday (29th August) the day after naming his first squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier versus Slovakia.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Sam Allardyce, England manager (on World Cup opponents Slovakia):

"We've examined that game (versus Slovakia during Euro 2016 group stage) me and Sammy (Lee) particularly. We've watched that match but we've really focussed on the games they've played at home and I think their tactics will be different when we play them in Slovakia. They are a team that have to come out and attack us to try and win the game (as) they are playing at home. Whereas in the Euros, we all knew that one point was enough for them and they made a very sound, solid defensive unit that was very difficult to break down in the end because they weren't interested in playing any type of attacking football. So, I think it will be different in Slovakia and we have to plan for them playing on their own patch and us trying to break them down."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Sam Allardyce, England manager (on selecting uncapped West Ham winger Michail Antonio):

"It's a bit similar to Jamie Vardy's don't you think. It shows if you've got guts and determination and desire how much it means. When you started where Michail has and then he goes forward and creates a career for himself which finally ends up in the Premier League and finally with us in this squad. I'm looking forward to meeting him today and everybody for the first time."