Thomas Tuchel has today unveiled his first squad as England manager, and there will be mixed emotions in the Arsenal dressing room.
Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly have both been called up by the German boss, a first senior call-up for the latter after a breakout campaign so far - but there was no room for 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
The teenage sensation has stunned fans of all clubs with his rapid rise in just a matter of months, having been drafted into the right-wing position by Mikel Arteta to alleviate the void left by Bukayo Saka’s injury.
Eight goals and an assist after a little over 1,000 minutes of senior football have left many speechless - his composure far superior than that of others his age.
Despite, like Lewis-Skelly, having previously only played as high as for the U19s at international level, many had expected Nwaneri to be fast-tracked into the first-team this month - not least due to injuries ruling other options out.
But, alas, Tuchel has decided, at least for the time being, that it is too soon for the Hale End graduate - as England prepare for World Cup Qualifiers against Albania and Latvia later this month.
No Ben White recall
Another Arsenal player to miss out was defender Ben White, although it is unclear whether his omission was form-related, due to having only recently returned from injury or if he has still chosen to be unavailable for international fixtures.
White infamously left the England squad midway through the 2022 Qatar World Cup and, while those involved have always played down such an idea, reports indicate a falling out with then-assistant manager Steve Holland as the cause of his premature departure.
Since then, White has not adorned the **Three Lions**’ shirt - his last call-up now more than two years ago.
The 27-year-old has featured just four times since a hamstring injury saw him sidelined in November 2024, his only start since his return coming against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
Work to do for Nwaneri
(Photo by Alex Caparros - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Caparros - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Nwaneri could have done little more to argue his case to Tuchel and, with Saka and Noni Madueke sidelined through injury, his exclusion looks, on the surface to be confusing.
In fact, the only natural right-winger in Tuchel's maiden England squad is Jarrod Bowen, who himself has played more often as a striker in recent months.
While confirmation will not come until midday, it is expected that Nwaneri will instead join Lee Carsley's U21s squad for their upcoming friendlies against France and Portugal.
Although not the senior call-up Nwaneri would have undoubtedly been dreaming of, a camp with England's U21s would still represent the highest international level he has played at - steady progression for the young star.
Lewis-Skelly duly rewarded while Rice offers little shock
Few can question Lewis-Skelly's first-ever senior call-up, despite his two recent red cards which have seen some criticise the 18-year-old.
But with Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall injured, Lewis-Hall's call-up always felt like something of a formality, his excellent form for the Gunners rewarded with a spot on the highest stage.
There will be no handouts for the youngster, however, who will have to compete with Tino Livramento, Levi Colwill and even Dan Burn if he is to make his Three Lions debut this month.
Rice's call-up is among the least surprising in the squad, the 62-time England veteran now the fifth-most-capped player in the England squad.
His ability to dictate midfield is an asset for any team and, with Tuchel known for defensively-sound possession-based football, the 26-year-old can expect to play a significant role as the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticks ever closer.