After failing to make the bench for England’s draw with Ukraine, Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah may be braced for further international disappointment.
The striker earned his first call-up for this international break after a fine start to the season saw him score twice in three league starts, and his all-round performances have been so impressive that he kept his place in the Arsenal starting XI even when Gabriel Jesus returned from injury.
However, Nketiah was completely left out as England drew with Ukraine in Poland, and he will be hoping to finally make his debut against Scotland on Tuesday.
Sky Sports presenter Rob Dorsett has now claimed that Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane will lead the line against Scotland in the friendly, meaning Nketiah will have to settle for a place on the bench.
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“From Eddie Nketiah’s point of view he’s desperate to make his England debut,” he stated on Sky Sports News.
“What a season he’s had for Arsenal. He’s been the first choice despite the return to fitness of Gabriel Jesus, and playing really well, scored a couple of goals as well in the Premier League already.
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“He will desperately want to get his England debut. I would expect Harry Kane to still lead the line in truth, so Nketiah will probably start on the bench and may have to wait his turn, but I think Southgate will be desperately trying to get him on the pitch if he possibly can.”
A long-awaited opportunity
Nketiah will likely be frustrated if he is unable to get onto the pitch for a single minute during this international break, as he has worked hard to gain this opportunity for years.
The 24-year-old is England’s all-time record goalscorer at under-21 level, ahead of the likes of Alan Shearer, with 16 goals in 17 games.
Nketiah has had fierce competition upfront throughout his Arsenal career, but has worked hard to force his way into Mikel Arteta’s thinking, and has consistently improved under the Spaniard.
It remains unclear whether he will continue to be in Gareth Southgate’s plans going forward, so he will hope to seize any chance he gets and impress if he is selected against Scotland.