Video: Hale End starlet scores on international duty, Arteta said he’s a ‘huge talent’

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Arsenal prodigy Emile Smith-Rowe opened the scoring for the England U-21 side in their 4-0 victory against France.

The 22-year-old, once dubbed as a ‘huge talent’ by Mikel Arteta has endured a difficult season at the Emirates Stadium due to injury problems and a set XI that is tough to break into for any player, which has meant he has barely got minutes.

However, it seems like Emile Smith-Rowe has a point to prove to the Arsenal boss as he scored an intelligent goal for the England U-21 side against France.

Video: Smith-Rowe scores for England U-21 side vs France U-21s

The versatile attacker burst onto the scene, much like Bukayo Saka and instantly looked like a world-class player in the making.

Showcasing signs of his natural talent as a playmaker whilst impressively getting goals and assists as a makeshift left-winger under Arteta, Smith-Rowe has proven time and again that his ceiling is sky-high.

Gradually being bedded into the Arsenal side, Emile Smith-Rowe gave Mikel Arteta a sign of why he may need to be given more game time for the England U-21 side with a smart header against France, as shared by Eduardo Hagn.

The technically gifted midfielder noticed Oliver Skipp win the ball high up the pitch and when Morgan Gibbs-White was trying to look for a passer, the Englishman made a darting run in behind the French defence before slotting the ball in the back of the net.

In our view: Smith-Rowe could be used in midfield more often now

Considering Granit Xhaka’s form is not the same, Emile Smith-Rowe could potentially be played in place of him, as he showcased an example of his knack of getting in behind defences and scoring goals for the England U-21 side, which the former lacks.

Smith-Rowe, being an attacking midfielder by trade can also combine his end product with creativity to shoulder the burden of setting up chances from his attack-minded teammates.

Not to say that Xhaka should be completely axed but from time to time, the youngster should be given a shot to bring something different to the table.