Ethan Nwaneri has further solidified his place in Thomas Tuchel’s considerations with another breathtaking display in Arsenal’s demolition of PSV Eindhoven. His seamless adaptation to senior football at just 17 is remarkable, consistently outclassing experienced defenders. His composure and attacking flair defy his age, making him impossible to ignore.
His latest performance comes at the perfect time, just days before Tuchel’s first England squad announcement. Initially, the teenager may not have been on Tuchel’s radar due to his limited first-team exposure under Mikel Arteta when the German took charge. However, his recent displays make it inconceivable that he isn’t in contention for an international call-up.
Following his stunning goal in Arsenal’s 7-1 rout, Joe Cole expressed his astonishment, stating Nwaneri should bypass the England U21s and go straight into the senior squad. The former Chelsea winger likened the youngster to Lionel Messi, highlighting his exceptional ability and mentality. Given his versatility, Nwaneri could become a key asset for Tuchel’s evolving squad.
England’s upcoming qualifiers against Albania and Latvia provide the perfect opportunity to ease Nwaneri into international football. Both opponents rank significantly lower, making them ideal for a young talent to gain experience. Tuchel could use this window to assess whether Nwaneri is ready for a long-term role in the national team setup.
If selected, Nwaneri would join an elite group of England’s youngest senior players. His potential debut would place him between Clement Mitchell and Raheem Sterling in the all-time rankings. His rise has been nothing short of extraordinary, already making history in Arsenal’s first team and in European competition.
Tuchel’s tenure as England manager comes with high expectations, focusing on World Cup success in 2026. Unlike Southgate, whose long-term vision shaped England’s youth integration, Tuchel’s priority is immediate success. If Nwaneri is deemed ready, there’s little reason for hesitation in fast-tracking his development.
Nwaneri’s impact at Arsenal and his fearless performances suggest he’s ready for the challenge. Rather than being protected, he should be given the opportunity to thrive on the biggest stage. If Tuchel is willing to take the gamble, England might just have unearthed their next generational talent.
The youngster has already demonstrated his ability to handle pressure at the highest level. His goal against PSV added to his growing list of records, further proving he belongs among the elite. With his confidence soaring, a call-up to the senior squad seems like the logical next step in his rapid rise.