Morning all.
It’s definitely a dream come true. I didn’t expect it. Obviously I was planning to go with the U21s and I got a phone call the day before from Gareth, saying I’d been called up to the first team. It was a great moment for me and my family. My mum was actually downstairs at the time, I was upstairs. I ran downstairs straight away and told her. It was very emotional, but they were so proud of me and I couldn’t wait to meet up with the squad. I was really nervous during my first training session, to be honest. It’s always hard coming in with new players.
That’s Emile Smith Rowe talking to Sky Sports but I’ve not included the bit about training alongside such great England players because I doubt even Emile believes many, if any are better than who he plays alongside for Arsenal. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of many players in this current England squad who’d improve Arsenal right now. There was a time when I’d have said Kane but these days, the only thing he can do better than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is taking penalties. I wouldn’t mind Arsenal signing Declan Rice though.
Footballers love playing for their country, the fans who fiercely support their country, want to see the best players in the team but me, I’d rather all the Arsenal players were back at London Colney preparing for the trip to Anfield. Selfish I know and it’s the wrong attitude to have because each time a player isn’t picked for his country when he’s been playing as well as Emile has for example, it must be a disappointment. So yes, I’m now thrilled for our midfielder who it’s hard to remember, is just 21 years old.
His break into senior international football is similar to his route into the first team. Injuries to others opened the door for him and there’s been no looking back. I anticipate things going the same way with England too.
Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães, who thankfully likes to be called Gabriel has also had his first senior call up for Brazil. Unlike Emile who’s be a regular for his country at under 21 level, our Brazilian centre back has only managed four appearances for the under 23 team of Brazil. Whether that’s because Brazil have a glut of central defenders or not I don’t know and frankly, I don’t really care but I think that moving to Arsenal is the best decision he’s made in his football career to date. He and Ben White are on their way to forming a strong partnership and Gabriel has been fantastic. He won’t be bullied and he certainly doesn’t shy away from anything or anyone. He’s just 23 years old.
In fact if you look at all our younger players in the team, barring Ben White, majority of them are already representing their respective countries at one level or another. It’s a big positive for Arsenal as a club I think because if as I selfishly had my way, what would it really say about our recruitment? The fact that Ben White hasn’t been called up by Gareth Southgate says more about him than it does our player in my opinion. His call up isn’t far away that’s for sure, not if he carries on the way he’s playing for Arsenal and I doubt it’ll be too long before Aaron Ramsdale replaces Jordan Pickford as England’s number one keeper either.
See you in the comments.
In the not too distant future we could see possibly 4 Arsenal players in the england starting line-up.
If you told me that a year ago I would have laughed. Though I agree I would prefer they were at Colney right now preparing for the next game.
Good morning Rico, I agree with you 100%.
No further comment needed. 😉
Morning Cicero. That’s funny. Lol
Anon, or 5 once Flo Balogun starts scoring goals for the first team. And behind him are more who could make the step up over the next few years.
Morning Rico and all
It doesn’t matter how you make it to the senior team or your country team for the first time, it’s all about making that first appearance count because you may not get a second chance. but it does help you to settle in when you have team mates / friends already there.
Morning Geoff, I can’t see either of Gabriel or ESR not doing well but as it is at club level too, it’s about the players around them in the team. Put Messi into Stoke City and he’d struggle.
Lucas Verissimo (Benfica) is injury until next season,
That’s the maisn reason why Gabriel was called up to Brazil squad.
one door closes and another opens . Down to Gabriel to make himself undroppable.
Agree. If he plays like he does for Arsenal, he’ll be hard to drop.
FB Hoge vs Arsenal in Women’s Champions League is live on DAZN’s you tube channel from 17.30 this evening.
Gutted for England, one shocker of an over and it was gone….
It’s on the official website too Cicero.
Finished 5 – 1 to Arsenal.
New post up.