Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has urged England manager Gareth Southgate to add Arsenal teenager Reiss Nelson to the Three Lions squad. Ferdinand was speaking about his excitement over the future prospects of the England team and when he was asked why he was so positive, he told the Sun newspaper,
‘Because of the youngsters.
‘Southgate gets it, the excitement and pride it gives to fans to see young players in their team. There’s huge potential there.
‘As well as Hudson-Odoi and Sancho, I want to see Phil Foden play. Everyone’s talking about him. Same with Reiss Nelson.’
Ferdinand is, of course, right, England is an exciting team these days and it is because of the youngsters, they play without fear and it must surely only be a matter of time before Nelson is giving a call up to the senior team.
Nelson, who is currently on loan with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, has played for the England youth team at every level from the U16 right through to the U21, and he has proven himself to be prolific in front of the goal scoring 18 goals from just 31 appearances, whatever way you look at that record, it is impressive.
The 19-year-old has played regularly in the Bundesliga and featured in five Champions League matches this season, that is invaluable experience, in fact, he has more experience at the highest level than some of the players that have already played for England, Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea being a classic example.
Once Nelson gets the call-up, as he surely must, then you have to think it will be impossible for Unai Emery to loan him out again next season, the clamour from the fans for him to be given a regular start for the first team will be overwhelming.
The teenager will be like a brand new signing for us when he returns and the future, both at club level and international level is bright, very bright.