Roy Keane has spoken highly about Emile Smith Rowe and how he has ‘led the way’ for Arsenal, as he told ITV Sport.
The former treble-winning midfielder also praised the Arsenal academy product for scoring on his England debut and described his run into the penalty area as ‘football intelligence’.
England thrashed San Marino 10-0 on Monday to book their place for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Smith Rowe was handed a start by Gareth Southgate, and regardless of the opposition put in front of him, he did his job and got on the scoresheet.
Keane spoke highly about Smith Rowe’s rise into the Arsenal team and how he has stepped up during what has been difficult moments for his boyhood club.
“In football, in life, everyone gets opportunities and you have to take it,” said Keane.
“Even at Arsenal, earlier on in the season, they were going through a difficult spell. But these young kids, they led the way. And that’s a great reflection on their personalities.
“But the key for these players at club level is to keep on improving. They have to keep working hard. Stay humble because there are huge challenges ahead for this England team.
Keane then added about ESR’s goal: “Very good. Excellent goal and what he has done there is, football intelligence. Not get in their (penalty area) too early. Just biding his time. There’s nobody marking him and he’s running on the back of midfielders. But it’s the timing.”
Not so long ago, Arsenal weren’t getting much representation in the England side.
But fast forward to today and they may well have strong numbers donning the Three Lions shirt in Qatar next year.
Bukayo Saka is the one who has cemented his place in the squad, whilst Aaron Ramsdale is one of the form keepers in the Premier League.
Then there is Smith Rowe who has just entered the chat, whilst Ben White, who has been another standout performer this term, already has an England cap to his name and he will be hoping more comes his way in the future.
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