Wayne Rooney lauds Ethan Nwaneri’s key quality that proves Arsenal starlet deserves England call-up

The teenager has impressed in recent weeks after injuries in Arsenal’s forward line granted him an opportunity

Ethan Nwaneri starred for Arsenal against PSV (Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney believes that Ethan Nwaneri has the right temperament to thrive if given an England call-up on the back of his impressive Arsenal form.

The 17-year-old has been a standout for Mikel Arteta’s side in recent weeks having been afford an opportunity in the absence of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.

Nwaneri furthered his reputation with a star turn in the 7-1 Champions League thrashing of PSV Eindhoven, and will come into consideration for Thomas Tuchel as the new England manager prepares to name his first squad next week.

And Rooney, once a teenage phenom himself, believes that Nwaneri has shown the right qualities to earn inclusion.

“I think he is definitely [ready for his first England call-up],” Rooney said on Amazon Prime Video. “Over the last couple of years with England, we've seen players getting an opportunity with England who haven't deserved the opportuniy.

“That's my opinion. I think Nwaneri, he's showing he's got the temperament the right attitude to be in that squad. If he keeps doing what he's doing he'll have a great chance.”

Nwaneri faces a competitive fight for places on the right of the forward line, even with Saka out. He is yet to make his debut for the Under-21s, though has scored six times in nine appearances for England’s U19.

Former England striker Daniel Sturridge concurred with Rooney’s assessment: “Sometimes as former England players, and as pundits we do heap pressure on young players, but looking at him, is he ready? Is he showing the qualities that he deserves to be in and around it? I believe so.”