Eddie Nketiah Overtakes Legend in England History Books

Eddie Nketiah is an England record breaker.

England have had some magnificent players down the years – not so much now, granted – but a plethora of historic stars of the game, may of whom plied their trade up front. Whatever list you may have in your head, now add an Arsenal player.

Indeed, just like many before him, Eddie Nketiah is hoping to stake a permanent claim in the Three Lions’ senior squad by honing his craft in the youth sides. He may well feel he’s ready for the step up, but the consensus at St George’s Park is that he requires more time with the Under-21’s. As it is, he can’t do much more.

Victory over Turkey on Tuesday would secure passage to next year’s European Championships. The Young Lions have been in excellent form during their Group C qualifying campaign, although it’s been Nketiah who has stolen the limelight.

In this qualifying campaign alone he’s been in outstanding form, getting his first two goals in the reverse fixture against Turkey, another strike against Slovenia and then his first international hat-trick in a thumping win over Austria.

His next appearance continued in the same electric vein, grabbing another trio of goals against Kosovo, and then proceeding to score in each of his following three matches. Those strikes, coupled with three more in friendly matches, means the Hale End graduate has scored 14 at Under-21 level; that tally sees him overtake former England captain Alan Shearer and ex-Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers.

The less said about Jeffers’ Gunners spell the better, but Shearer as we all know fully well, went on to enjoy a decent enough career. As it is, the 21-year-old can’t do much more to earn himself a spot in the senior national fold, nor the Arsenal first team.

He even missed a penalty during the 2-1 Turkey win but picked himself up to nonchalantly dink past the onrushing Altay Bayındır. His confidence never takes a considerable dent.

One noticeable difference lies in the setup of both Arsenal and the Three Lions. Operating in 3-4-3 formations, the lack of a recognised No. 10 may be stunting Nketiah. He loves playing in front of someone sitting in the hole, where he can be fed passes in at goal and use his pace to beat defenders while waiting on the shoulder. Something for Mikel Arteta to ponder?