Wayne Rooney backs Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri for England over undeserving players
Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge have given their thoughts on whether Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri should be included in the next England squad.
The young winger has enjoyed a remarkable breakout season with Mikel Arteta‘s side that has seen him quickly thrust into the limelight.
With Bukayo Saka out injured for Arsenal, Nwaneri has regularly stepped in on the right-hand side of their attack.
On Tuesday (4 March), Arsenal took a big step towards the Champions League quarter finals with a 7-1 thumping of PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.
Nwaneri won plenty of praise from the likes of Alan Shearer for his part in that win, and that has now led to questions about a potential England call-up for the 17-year-old.
Thomas Tuchel sent Ethan Nwaneri message ahead of England squad announcement
In the coming days, Thomas Tuchel will name his squad since being appointed as England manager, for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
In the wake of his latest performance for Arsenal in that emphatic Champions League success, both Sturridge and Rooney are keen to see Nwaneri involved in the Three Lions set-up.
Sturridge has suggested that the teenager has shown enough to warrant a place in the squad, while Rooney believes he would deserve a place more than some of those capped by England recently.
| Ethan Nwaneri for Arsenal in 2024/25 | Total (as per Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 1,019 |
Speaking after Nwaneri’s performance against PSV on Amazon Prime Sport, presenter Gabby Logan suggested that Tuchel may have been watching prior to naming his squad.
In response, Sturridge said (10:20pm): “I hope so, and I hope he gets in the squad because he’s been incredible.
“And I think sometimes as former England players and as pundits sometimes we do heap pressure on young players to get them fast-tracked and to have them involved in the environments.
“But looking at him, is he ready to be involved in the squads? Is he showing the qualities that he deserves to be in and around it? I believe so.”
Rooney himself then added: “I think he is definitely, and I think what we’ve seen over the last couple of years with England is some players maybe getting the opportunity to play for England who maybe haven’t deserved the opportunity.
“That’s my opinion on that. But I think Nwaneri what he’s doing at the minute he’s showing he’s got the temperament he’s got the right attitude and he’s got the ability to be in and around that squad so if he keeps doing what he’s doing I’m sure he’ll have a great chance.”
Arsenal would have mixed feelings over Ethan Nwaneri call-up for England
Football Insider Verdict
There would undoubtedly be a big sense of pride around the Emirates Stadium if Nwaneri was to be called up for England this month.
To see one of their own academy graduates given such recognition so early in his career after some outstanding performances would be extremely satisfying for Arsenal fans.
However, the Gunners have of course been ravaged by injuries in attack this season which has not helped them when it comes to their pursuit of the Premier League title.
As a result, they may want Nwaneri to be put in this situation where he is playing these games, potentially risking burnout or even another fitness issue.
With that in mind, those of an Arsenal persuasion will be taking an interest in this talk around Nwaneri and an England call-up for a number of reasons.