'Definitely ready' - Wayne Rooney backs Ethan Nwaneri for maiden England call-up amid 17-year-old sensation's scintillating form for Arsenal

Nwaneri was part of an impressive Arsenal showing on Tuesday in the Champions League as the Gunners made history by thrashing PSV 7-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie. The 17-year-old was on target in the rout to take his tally to eight in all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side so far this season.

Nwaneri has been handed a chance in the first team at Arsenal due to injuries to attackers including Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. The teenager has been quick to impress and Rooney feels he has a strong chance of receiving a first senior England call-up by new manager Thomas Tuchel.

He said on Amazon Prime: “I think he is definitely [ready for his first England call-up]. Over the last couple of years with England, we've seen players getting an opportunity with England who haven't deserved the opportunity. That's my opinion. I think Nwaneri, he's showing he's got the temperament the right attitude to be in that squad. If he keeps doing what he's doing he'll have a great chance.”

At the age of 17 years and 346 days, Nwaneri became the third-youngest player to score in the knockout stages of the Champions League, behind only Bojan Krkic and Jude Bellingham.

Tuchel is set to name his first squad as England head coach on March 13 for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. Nwaneri will no doubt be hoping to be included and has another chance to impress on Sunday when Arsenal take on a struggling Manchester United side in the Premier League.