Gareth Southgate has handed Eddie Nketiah his first senior England call-up after the Arsenal striker made a fine start to this season.
The striker has two league goals from three league games for the Gunners and has always deputised well for Gabriel Jesus when the Brazilian is injured.
He came off the bench in Arsenal’s last match against Fulham and scored what should have been the winner.
Nketiah was close to choosing Ghana as his country before the last World Cup but decided against the decision and would now feel justified.
Southgate has been following the England youth record goalscorer and believes now is the best time to hand him an initial call-up.
Explaining why he called up Nketiah, Southgate said, as quoted by Metro Sport:
‘The only other change is Eddie, who is coming in because it’s an area where we would like to have a look at him.
‘He’s a young player with really good pedigree. He’s a really good finisher. It’s good for him to have some time with us.
‘He’s the record goalscorer with the U21s and he’s not had the chance to work with us up to this point, but he is a player that we are really interested in.’
Just Arsenal Opinion
Nketiah has been an improved player in the last year and has deserved this call-up.
We expect him to take the chance and show why he scored so many goals for the country at youth level.
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In the all or nothing documentary, there is a great moment when Eddie was talking to Albert Lonkango, who is annoyed by the fact he is not playing more.
But Eddie responded ” so what my friend? think you are the only one not playing? Stop feeling sorry for yourself, seems the kid has arrived.
I missed that remark. Good on Nketiah for having the desire to be more than a bit part player.
Pleased for EN. Appalled at the decision of Southgate to prolong the international careers of Maguire and Henderson and for the inclusion of Phillips.Sterling who has started the season very brightly must be disappointed to say the least.
Agree, well done Eddie. Shame on Southgate for including Maguire.
Well deserved – he’s been excellent at the start of the season. Very sharp and showed he’s far from “just” a goalscorer. Aside from his goals, he’s been our most active at really trying to make things happen with his dribbling and movement. Others have been too willing to play the safe pass.
Nketiah has been training to be a beast
I’m sure Mikel has been seeing that also
He is going to start today I’m sure. Arsenal is going to win with nothing less than two goals difference. Rice will fit in for partey.. i predict midfield of Rice, ode and havertz. Frontline of saka, mart, and nketiah.
Back line of white saliva Gabriel and zinny