Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney Urge England Call-Up for Arsenal Teen Ethan Nwaneri

Daniel Sturridge Wayne Rooney Ethan Nwaneri England call-up campaign gains momentum after the youngster shines in Champions League action.

Football icons Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney have call on England manager Thomas Tuchel to include Arsenal’s rising star Ethan Nwaneri in his first senior squad. The 17-year-old midfielder delivered a standout performance in Arsenal’s 7–1 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven, scoring the second goal and becoming the third-youngest player to score in a knockout stage match.

Nwaneri’s goal—assisted by fellow academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly—highlighted his composure, vision, and maturity on the European stage. His performance drew praise from both Rooney and Sturridge, who believe the teenager is ready to make the leap to international football.

Speaking on Amazon Prime Video, Sturridge said, “I hope he gets in the squad because he has been incredible… is he showing the qualities that he deserves to be in and around it? I believe so.”

Rooney echoed the sentiment: “I think he is definitely ready for his first England call-up. He’s showing he’s got the temperament and the right attitude to be in that squad.”

Arsenal’s Injury Crisis Opens the Door

Nwaneri’s emergence has been vital for Arsenal amid an injury crisis that sidelined Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz. Moreover, his consistent form has even pushed Raheem Sterling out of the starting lineup in recent matches.

Now, with England’s squad selection looming, the calls from Rooney and Sturridge add weight to the growing belief that Nwaneri could be one of the surprise inclusions in Tuchel’s first squad.

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