Sam Allardyce's first England squad confirmed: Joe Hart included, United's Rashford omitted

The 23-man England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia has been confirmed.

England new manager Sam Allardyce has announced his first squad as the Three Lions take on Slovakia for the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on 4 September.

The former Newcastle United and Sunderland boss replaced Roy Hodgson as the new national team manager. Hodgson stepped down from his post after England's disappointing exit from the European championship following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Iceland.

Manchester City goalkeeper Jo Hart, who has not featured in a single Premier League match has been included in the squad. However, Manchester United's hero against Hull City, Marcus Rashford has been omitted from the squad.

West Ham United winger Michail Antonio has received his first England call. Allardyce told the FA's official website on his decision to include him in the squad. "I think he's in outstanding form."

"This is another lad with a great journey – 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."

The confirmed squad is given below:

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)

Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Strikers: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)

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