Nwaneri ´definitely ready´ for England call-up, says Rooney

Ethan Nwaneri is “definitely ready” to receive his first senior England call-up, according to former Three Lions forward Wayne Rooney.

The 17-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Arsenal, in the absence of the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.

Nwaneri has certainly grasped his opportunity, scoring eight goals across all competitions.

The winger continued his fine form with a goal in Arsenal’s 7-1 thrashing of PSV in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.

At 17 years and 346 days old, he became the third-youngest player to score in the knockout stages of the competition, after Bojan Krkic and Jude Bellingham.

Nwaneri is tipped to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia later this month.

Rooney, who scored 53 goals for the Three Lions, remains the youngest player to find the net for his nation, doing so against Macedonia in September 2003 (17 years, 317 days).

And the forward striker believes Nwaneri – a scorer of 22 goals in England’s age-grade sides – is deserving of an opportunity at senior level.

“I think he is definitely [ready for his first England call-up],” Rooney told Amazon Prime.

“Over the last couple of years with England, we’ve seen players getting an opportunity with England who haven’t deserved the opportunity. That’s my opinion.

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

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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 4, 2025