Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, 18, takes just 10 minutes to score in first start for England U21s with stunning goal
ARSENAL superstar Ethan Nwaneri scored just 10 minutes into his full debut for England U21s on Monday.
The young forward, who turned 18 just last week, earned his first international call-up to the U21s earlier this month.
He came off the bench for the Young Lions in their 5-3 defeat to France on Friday.
And having impressed manager Lee Carsley in training, he earned his first start ahead of Monday’s clash with Portugal.
England took an early lead in the friendly, with midfielder Hayden Hackney breaking the deadlock.
But the advantage was extended in the 10th minute thanks to Nwaneri.
The Arsenal ace received the ball around 40 yards out from goal before turning, cutting into the middle and curling a shot into the bottom-left corner.
Gunners fans were quick to react to his strike on social media, with one person writing: “This boy is special.”
Another commented: “That signature goal, you just know it’s HIM.”
A third said: “How do you already have a trademark finish at 18??! Its insane.”
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A fourth wrote: “Special talent.”
While a fifth added: “This finish is just too easy for him, such a good player.”
Fabio Silva got a goal back for Portugal at the 22nd minute mark.
However, Ipswich star Omari Hutchinson restored England’s two-goal advantage late in the match.
Additional strikes from Carlos Forbs and Jaden Philogene saw the Three Lions to a 4-2 win.
On Nwaneri’s strike, Carsley said: “It’s definitely a finish that he’s got. Everyone knows exactly what’s going to happen but you just cannot stop it. He took his goal so well. But what we have to keep remembering is that he’s 18. Unbelievable, innit?
“We just have to encourage these guys. It’s important the rest of the team support him as well, because I’m not sure it’s always going to be as progressive as it is. So it’s important that we’re there when things aren’t so well. But, God, what an impression he’s made.”
Carsley, who is desperate to have the 18-year-old in his ranks when they head to Slovakia, added: “It’s important that we look after him and make sure that going to the tournament in the summer, is that the right thing?
“Obviously, we’ll speak with Arsenal and make sure that they’re on the same page in terms of that decision making.”