Ethan Nwaneri’s summer has taken another encouraging turn.
The Arsenal youngster was one of four promising talents invited by Thomas Tuchel to join England’s senior squad for training ahead of the World Cup.
While Nwaneri was never expected to travel to the tournament itself, the experience offered him a valuable opportunity to impress some of the biggest names in English football.
Before heading back to Arsenal, it appears he managed to make quite an impression.
🌟 Who is the bigger Arsenal prospect: Max Dowman or Ethan Nwaneri?
Ethan Nwaneri scores for England in their 6-0 pre-World Cup friendly win
England wrapped up their preparations for the World Cup with a behind-closed-doors training match against Miami FC.
According to the Daily Mail, Tuchel’s side ran out comfortable 6-0 winners in a game that was split into two separate sections.
The first ended 1-0, while England scored five more goals in the second period.
Ivan Toney was reportedly the standout performer and is believed to have scored a hat-trick, including a spectacular long-range effort.
However, he was not the only player to get on the scoresheet.
Jordan Henderson, Rio Ngumoha and Arsenal’s own Nwaneri were all thought to have found the net as well.
That represents a productive end to what has been an important week for the Gunners’ academy graduate.
Nwaneri was invited to train with England’s senior squad alongside Ngumoha, Alex Scott and Josh King, giving him a chance to work under Tuchel and alongside some of the best players in the country.
Now that England are moving on to their World Cup base in Kansas City, the young quartet will leave camp and return to their clubs.
Nwaneri has certainly done his job before departing. Any goal in an England shirt is worth celebrating, even if it comes in a training match.
Fill the blanks: Ethan Nwaneri’s next loan club should be _______
England goal is further proof that Arsenal should not give up on Ethan Nwaneri
Nwaneri’s future has become a talking point in recent weeks.
Reports have suggested Arsenal could consider cashing in after an underwhelming loan spell at Marseille during the second half of last season.
That would be a huge mistake.
The teenager may not have enjoyed the impact many hoped for in France, but that does not change the fact that he remains one of the most talented young players the Premier League champions have produced in years.
Development is rarely a straight line, especially for attacking players. One difficult loan spell should not erase everything Nwaneri showed before that move.
Arsenal would be far better served sending him out on loan again rather than selling him permanently.
The talent is still there, and if he fulfils his potential elsewhere after being sold, the Gunners could end up regretting that decision for a very long time.
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