Ethan Nwaneri played 63 minutes for England’s under-21s as they slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Germany.
Ansgar Knauff’s emphatic early strike gave Germany the lead before Nelson Weiper’s header doubled their advantage after 33 minutes.
Alex Scott pulled one back for the Three Lions with 15 minutes left to play after great work from Omari Hutchinson, but Lee Carsley’s side were unable to turn the game around.
Despite the defeat, England still progress into the quarter-finals, where they’re set to play Spain on Saturday.
Nwaneri was deployed on the right-wing for the second consecutive game, and although he had some nice moments, was largely unable to influence the game in a meaningful way.
Arsenal fans react to Ethan Nwaneri’s England performance
Nwaneri impressed fans with an exciting cameo performance in England’s first game at the youth tournament in Slovakia against Czech Republic.
He was rewarded for this display with a start in the second game against Slovenia, in a clash that ended 0-0.
Carsley deployed Nwaneri off the left in that encounter, but reverted to type by putting him back on the right on Wednesday night against Germany.
Completing just two of his eight dribbles, it was far from a standout display from the Arsenal teenager, who was eventually hooked just after the hour mark.
The Gunners faithful had mixed feelings about his showing.
One fan wrote on X: “Although he can make an impact on the right it still feels like Nwaneri’s best position is as an attacking midfielder – that’s where he can really dictate the game.”
Another added: “Nwaneri is a talent, but it’s not happened for him tonight. His duels won, ball retention and progressive pass numbers will not be good. German LB Ullrich and LCB Siebert had his number, and have been excellent.”
Another supporter put, bluntly: “England much improved since Nwaneri got subbed off.”
However, some were more impressed, with one fan commending Nwaneri’s off-the-ball work: “Nwaneri off the ball looks loads better Going to be noticeable when he plays for us.”
Meanwhile, one fan claimed: “Nwaneri best player for England in 2 games running.”
Ethan Nwaneri needs to be playing centrally for Arsenal
Andrea Berta is looking to tie Nwaneri down to a new long-term contract to fend off interest from elsewhere.
The Gunners are excited about his talent, and these sorts of question marks about where his best position is are normal for a player of his age.
While he enjoyed an encouraging run on the wing in Bukayo Saka’s absence last season, Nwaneri looks best when deployed centrally.
This is where he’s grown up playing, and looks more natural receiving the ball and turning in between the lines in the half spaces, rather than being isolated against a full-back on the touchline.
He also hasn’t yet developed the skill of making runs in behind teams and stretching backlines, which is essential when deployed as a wide man.
He instead prefers to come short and collect the ball, which again, is a trait well suited to be an advanced eight.
With his off-the-ball work improving tenfold, Mikel Arteta may be less reluctant to deploy him as an eight next season.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
