Former England international Paul Merson has backed Arsenal’s rising star Ethan Nwaneri to become a key figure for the Three Lions but believes the teenager should first gain experience with the U21 squad before making the senior step.
The 17-year-old has been turning heads with his performances, and with Thomas Tuchel set to name his first England squad, there is speculation over whether Nwaneri could receive a surprise call-up. Merson, however, thinks a gradual approach would be more beneficial.
“There’s a lot of talent going forward in the England team that have been around for a while, so I’d put him in the Under-21 team first if I was the manager,” Merson said. “But he will be a talent and will, hopefully, go on and get 50 or 60 caps at least.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are hopeful that Bukayo Saka will recover in time for the second leg against PSV in the Champions League. Merson believes Arsenal’s qualification is already secured, allowing them to focus fully on their crucial Premier League clash with Manchester United.
“Arsenal have got to go and beat Manchester United now,” he added. “They’re through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, so they can go there and have a right go. Then they can start resting players if they beat United. It’s not good news for Manchester United this weekend, knowing Arsenal aren’t distracted by next Wednesday’s game.”
With Nwaneri’s future looking bright and Arsenal gaining momentum, the question remains—should Tuchel take a gamble and include the youngster in England’s senior squad, or is it too soon?