Joe Cole believes Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is destined to be a key player for England over the next decade after his dazzling performance in the Gunners’ historic 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s side put their recent Premier League struggles aside with a ruthless display in Holland, becoming the first team in Champions League history to score seven goals away from home in a knockout match.
Cole, speaking on TNT Sports, singled out Nwaneri for special praise, calling him England’s most exciting young talent. “He’s so good that he doesn’t even need the U21s. He needs to go straight into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. He’s an England player for the next 10-15 years,” Cole said.
The 17-year-old, who became the Premier League’s youngest-ever player in 2022, has been enjoying a breakout season at the Emirates, and calls for his senior England debut are growing louder. Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice echoed Cole’s sentiments, stating that Nwaneri’s performances in training prove he belongs at the top level.
“He’s top. He’s 17 years old and already performing on the biggest stage. Even if Bukayo Saka was fit, Ethan would still be getting minutes because he’s that good,” Rice said.
With Arsenal now all but guaranteed a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, they shift focus to a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday before hosting PSV in the second leg. As Nwaneri continues to shine, it may not be long before he receives a call-up to the senior England squad.