Arsenal player ratings: Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah for England

Arsenal duo Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah were in England Under-21 action on Thursday as they started in the Three Lions’ first match of their 2021 European Championship group stage clash against Switzerland, which they lost 1-0.

Emile Smith Rowe was rewarded for his outstanding form for Arsenal this season with a maiden call-up to the Under-21 side, and he started on the left forward role as England adopted a 3-4-3 setup.

Unused Gunners’ forward Eddie Nketiah led the line as he has done so effectively for Aidy Boothroyd’s side, while he also captained the side as had been the case during the qualifying campaign.

The formation is a peculiar one from Boothroyd given the wealth of talent as his disposal being capable enough of playing with four at the back, a system that worked well during qualifying.

Arsenal player ratings: Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah for England Under-21’s against Switzerland

It did mean Smith Rowe could pick up the positions he has done of late for Arsenal with Martin Odegaard sitting in the No. 10 slot, although the Hale Ender enjoyed a frustrating first half. A few loose touches early on were met with better incision and movement in the pockets, yet he found it tough to break down a solid Swiss block.

As for Nketiah, he had one stand out moment when he skinned the opposition full-back with a deft touch, but he too struggled for meaningful impact on the ball with England struggling to create anything the thirds.

The second half frustration continued for England, and both Arsenal players in particular.

Smith Rowe switched out the the right for the second period hoping to have more joy with Max Aarons, as the decision to field Dwight McNeil added nothing to England’s left flank. You felt there was still something for the 20-year-old if given the opportunity, but an obvious lack of understanding with Tom Davies, the advanced midfielder, bore no fruit as he would brought off with 20 to go.

As for Nketiah, a total lack of service continued even if he managed to fashion a couple of snap shots. His running never eased off and he kept attacking the channels, yet as with Smith Rowe, it’s clear this team are in need of serious minutes on the training pitch.

Dreadfully disjointed performance.

Eddie Nketiah: 5.5

Emile Smith Rowe: 5