Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri takes next England step but former Hale End gem gets sent off in same match

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Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri took the next step in his international career over the weekend as he moved up the England ranks.

The Hale End academy gem has had a breakout campaign so far, becoming something of a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.

Ethan Nwaneri has done well filling the gap left by Bukayo Saka’s injury, despite the fact he only recently turned 18 years old.

Such has been his impressive form for Arsenal, there had been calls for Nwaneri to get an England call-up over the international break.

While the youngster did, unfortunately, miss out on featuring for the senior side, he did get a promotion within the ranks.

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Ethan Nwaneri makes England under-21s debut against France

While Nwaneri didn’t get a call-up to the England senior side, he did take the step up to the England under-21s.

The youngster had previously only featured for the under-19s, taking a big step up in age groups with his performances.

Some of the Premier League’s best and brightest are in the under-21s squad, showing the depth of talent in the England side both now and in the future.

Speaking about the call-up for Nwaneri, manager Lee Carsley told the press: “He’s very talented, outstanding balance, fast, technically very good… we are lucky to have him.”

Nwaneri’s first taste of international action at that level came late on in a clash with France, with the match drawing to a conclusion.

England lost 5-3 in a back-and-forth encounter against another strong side.

With just a few minutes under his belt, there’s no doubt that Nwaneri will be hungry for more in an England shirt going forward.

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Omari Hutchinson sent off for England under-21s against France

Hale End produces plenty of top players, whether they go on to feature for Arsenal or elsewhere in the world is unclear though.

It seems likely that Nwaneri will sign a new contract at Arsenal, keeping him at the club for the future.

However, it could’ve been very different if Omari Hutchinson had decided to stay and compete for the right-wing position.

The star left Arsenal to join rivals Chelsea, who sent him on loan to Ipswich Town before he made the permanent move there.

Now a teammate of Nwaneri’s on the international stage, Hutchinson was left frustrated as he received a red card in the England under-21s defeat to France.