ARSENAL star Ethan Nwaneri made a remarkable impact in his full debut for the England U21s, scoring just 10 minutes into the match on Monday.
The talented forward, who celebrated his 18th birthday just last week, received his first international call-up to the U21 squad earlier this month.
Nwaneri made his first appearance for the Young Lions on Friday, coming off the bench in a 5-3 loss to France. After impressing manager Lee Carsley during training, he earned a starting position for the friendly against Portugal.
England took an early lead with midfielder Hayden Hackney scoring the first goal, and Nwaneri quickly followed suit in the 10th minute.
Receiving the ball about 40 yards from goal, the Arsenal prodigy skillfully turned, cut inside, and sent a curling shot into the bottom-left corner.
Excited Gunners fans took to social media to express their admiration for his goal, with one saying, “This boy is special,” and another commenting, “That signature goal, you just know it’s HIM.” One fan marveled, “How do you already have a trademark finish at 18??! It’s insane.” Another fan wrote, “Special talent,” while yet another said, “This finish is just too easy for him, such a good player.”
Fabio Silva pulled one back for Portugal in the 22nd minute, but Ipswich star Omari Hutchinson quickly restored England’s two-goal lead later in the match.
Additional goals from Carlos Forbs and Jaden Philogene secured a 4-2 victory for the Three Lions.
On Nwaneri’s impressive goal, Carsley remarked, “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, isn’t it?”
Carsley emphasized the importance of supporting the young talent, adding, “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. But, God, what an impression he’s made.”
Looking ahead, Carsley stated, “It’s important that we look after him and make sure that going to the tournament in the summer is 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.”