Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has been called up to the senior England squad for the first time.
England will take on the Republic of Ireland and Finland over the course of the current international break.
Interim manager of the national team, Lee Carsley, has called up two Arsenal players, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka joining his squad.
Meanwhile, Ben White’s decision to turn his back on England remains in effect, despite the departure of Gareth Southgate and his coaching staff.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that both Saka and Rice are able to come through this international break unscathed, as they are both crucial figures for the North London club.
However, Rice will be suspended for the Gunners’ upcoming North London derby clash against Tottenham Hotspur, following his controversial sending off against Brighton last time out.
Noni Madueke hails Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Speaking to talkSPORT, Madueke recently played a game of Winner Stays On, in which the 22-year-old was asked to name the better of two players when pitted against one another, with his preferred option remaining in the frame to come up against the next contender.
When asked to choose between Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal and Saka, Madueke sided with the Arsenal star.
Madueke also chose Saka over Real Madrid man Rodrygo. However, when the Hale End academy graduate was put up against Liverpool icon Mo Salah, Madueke admitted: “I have to give it to Salah.”
Saka receives global recognition
Madueke is not alone in rating Saka so highly. Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called Saka world-class in the past.
Now, the 23-year-old’s talent has been recognised on the world stage. As reported by the BBC, Saka was recently included in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or – the prize given to the best player in the world each year.
Saka is one of four Arsenal stars on the list, as he has been joined by Rice, William Saliba, and club captain Martin Odegaard.
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