Summer of Nwaneri? Arsenal prodigy ready to light up U21 European Championship for England

Ethan Nwaneri’s full debut for England Under-21s was never going to go unnoticed. But scoring a goal like that — curling the ball into the bottom corner with effortless poise — made sure of it.

The Arsenal midfielder, who turned 18 just days before the match, needed only ten minutes to leave a lasting impression. It was the kind of strike that makes people stop talking about potential and start acknowledging quality.

Lee Carsley’s side eventually ran out 4-2 winners against Portugal in a breathless friendly at The Hawthorns. But for many, the headline was Nwaneri.

He did not just belong — he stood out.

His inclusion in the squad for this summer’s Under-21 European Championships now feels inevitable. More than that, it feels essential.

The current England group is valued at over half a billion pounds, with names like Harvey Elliott, Rico Lewis and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens leading the way. Nwaneri’s estimated transfer value of £28.2 million is more a reflection of age and contract length than ability.

That number will rise. Quickly.

At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has handed him opportunities few his age ever get. Eight goals and two assists in 32 appearances this season is an exceptional return for a teenager not always playing in his preferred role. He has shown maturity beyond his years, taking on responsibility in big matches and delivering under pressure.

Nwaneri is not alone. This England Under-21 team is stacked with talent. Jobe Bellingham, Adam Wharton, and Elliott Anderson form a midfield unit that would not look out of place in a Premier League starting lineup. Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson offer goals. Jaden Philogene adds flair. There is depth and balance throughout.

But Nwaneri is different.

He plays with a certain rhythm — calm on the ball, sharp in tight spaces, decisive in the final third. He is both conductor and creator, capable of shaping the tempo and supplying the spark.

In 2023, England’s Under-21s won the Euros without conceding a single goal. Carsley wants this group to be even better. He is not short of weapons.

In Ethan Nwaneri, he may have the one to define the tournament.

Because while the rest of Europe arrives in Slovakia with their brightest talents, England are bringing someone who already looks ready for the biggest stage.

Not just a rising star — but possibly the next great one.

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