Paul Merson backs ‘brilliant’ former Arsenal star for England call-up following summer exit

Paul Merson believes a former Arsenal star will ‘soon be back in the England squad’ following his decision to leave the Emirates over the summer.

Only two Arsenal stars made it into Lee Carsley’s first Three Lions squad, namely Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, and it won’t be long before the side for the October international break is named.

With Ben White refusing to even speak to the interim England manager, Raheem Sterling is the only other senior Gunner who could be called-up at the moment.

But there are a number of former Arsenal stars who may appear in the squad like Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah who joined Southampton and Crystal Palace over the summer in search of regular game time.

Another who departed the Emirates for more minutes was Emile Smith Rowe, who completed a transfer to Fulham worth upwards of £27million after starting just four games for Mikel Arteta last season.

So far it’s proven to be the right call, with the attacking midfielder bagging a goal and an assist in his first four Premier League games for the Cottagers.

Arsenal legend Merson has certainly been impressed, telling Sportskeeda: ‘Emile Smith Rowe has done really well since joining Fulham.

‘He lost his way a bit at Arsenal with all the injuries and lack of playing. If he keeps playing regularly, he will prove to be a brilliant signing for Fulham.

‘He’s someone who chases lost causes and has got a footballing brain. All he has to do now is stay fit and he’ll soon be back in the England squad.’

Smith Rowe has three caps for England and one goal – scored in the 10-0 win over San Marino – but the last of these caps came back in March 2022.

He was however part of squad managed by Carsley that won the U21s Euros last year, starting the final against Spain alongside the likes of Angel Gomes, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon

Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, attacking midfield is an area England are very well stocked in thanks to Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Eberechi Eze and more.

But Smith Rowe will continue to stake his claim, starting on Saturday when Fulham host Newcastle.

England take on Greece and Finland in the Nations League next month.

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