Sam Allardyce insists 'door will always be open' for Ross Barkley to return despite dropping Everton star from first England squad

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Sam Allardyce says the door will always be open for Ross Barkley to return for England as the new national team manager plans meetings with each of his players.

Allardyce is preparing for his first training session since landing his dream job. And after announcing his first squad since being appointed as Roy Hodgson's successor, the former Bolton boss will meet his players for the first time when they report to St George's Park on Monday. 

Allardyce - who revealed he will meet his charges individually ahead of their first session together on Tuesday - admitted excluding Everton midfielder Barkley from his 23-man squad was his most difficult decision in the job so far.

Sam Allardyce says leaving Ross Barkley out of his first England squad was his toughest call

The former Bolton boss is relishing the task ahead after landing his dream job at 61 years old

Allardyce will hold individual talks with each of his player ahead of their first training session

Everton's Barkley went to Euro 2016 but has missed the cut for the latest England squad

Wayne Rooney will hope to cling on to the job when Allardyce names his captain on Tuesday

The 61-year-old, who handed a first call-up to West Ham's Michail Antonio, also says the  likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere will be given every opportunity to return to the fold. 

 'We have had to make a few difficult decisions and none more so than Ross Barkley,' said Allardyce. 'The door will always be open for Ross. 

'Everybody, Jack Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain were probably looking to get back in but we will continue to monitor, will watch everybody - who is to say they won't be in next time and keep the pressure on me by playing well.'

Allardyce will hold back on naming his captain until Tuesday, when the chosen man will appear with his boss in front of the nation's press.

The manager also insists it was the correct decision to send Manchester United's teenage sensation Marcus Rashford to play with Gareth Southgate's Under 21s.

'Having international experience in the Under 21s will be invaluable for him down the line,' said Allardyce, who also insisted he trusts goalkeeper Joe Hart to keep the England management team in the loop regarding any potential transfer away from Manchester City.

Allardyce says teenage striker Marcus Rashford will benefit from playing Under 21 football

Rashford threw his England demotion into a sharper light by scoring at Hull on Saturday

Michail Antonio had his first England call hours after scoring for West Ham at Manchester City

As for surprise inclusion Antonio, Allardyce says the former Tooting & Mitcham winger's rise from non-League footballer to England squad member is just reward for the 26-year-old's admirable dedication to his trade.

'It shows [what can happen] if you have guts and determination and desire,' Allardyce added. 

'He has gone on to make a career for himself in the Premier League and I’m looking forward to meeting him - and everyone else.'