Liverpool star has just two words for Ethan Nwaneri after Arsenal gem’s international display

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Ethan Nwaneri scored his first goal for England U21 in the Young Lions’ 4-2 win over Portugal U21.

It will come as no surprise to those at the Emirates to see Nwaneri shining on the international stage.

The Hale End graduate has been influential in his breakthrough season at Arsenal, carrying his form into the international break.

Nwaneri is one of 14 Arsenal players on international duty, with the teenager joining a handful of his teammates by getting his name on the scoresheet for his country. 

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

Premier League players react to Ethan Nwaneri’s England U21 performance

While Nwaneri didn’t earn a senior call-up to the England squad like Myles Lewis-Skelly, the 18-year-old did take a considerable step forward.

Against Portugal U21, Nwaneri made his full debut for England U21, marking the occasion with a goal.

After England U21’s 4-2 win, the teenager took to Instagram to react to the victory on his full debut.

As expected, the comment section was flooded with well wishes, seeing Liverpool ace Harvey Elliott brand Nwaneri a ‘young star’.

Other notable Premier League names were amongst the comments, including former Hale End talent Omari Hutchinson and Arsenal’s Declan Rice.

While it was a night to savour for the academy graduate, Arsenal fans had one complaint about Nwaneri, arguing that the versatile forward should be playing at senior level.

Nwaneri compared to Chelsea star by Lee Carsley

Despite the quality Nwaneri possesses, it must be remembered that the forward is still only 18, making the pace of his progression through the ranks at international level understandable.

For now, the teenager will continue to work with Lee Carsley and the U21’s, where he’s already won over his new boss. 

When speaking to the media after England’s win over Portugal, Carsley took the time to compare Nwaneri to Chelsea’s Noni Madueke when it comes to finishing.

“It’s definitely a finish he’s got, Noni’s [Madueke’s] got the same finish where everyone knows exactly what’s going to happen, but you just cannot stop it.

“So you know he’s going to go, touch, finish and he took his goal so well.”

Nwaneri added to his 2024/25 tally with a goal on his England U21 full debut, with many itching to see the youngster back performing in red and white.