Kelly Cates and Jack Wilshere praised Emile Smith Rowe for giving his shirt to a young Arsenal fan after their goalless draw against Brighton on Saturday, as he told Sky Sports PL (02/10/21 at 7:50 pm).
The former Arsenal midfielder shared that moments like that make him a ‘fan favourite’ and he understands because he is a Hale-End boy.
It has been an outstanding 12 or so months for Smith Rowe, who during Arsenal’s struggles, has gone from strength to strength.
And even though he couldn’t help his boyhood club find the back of the net at the Amex Stadium, he was still one of the standout performers for his side.
It was pouring down with rain in the South Coast and a young fan held up a board wanting Smith Rowe’s shirt and sharing that they have been ‘soaked’.
Smith Rowe obliged and handed his shirt to the young supporter, and both Cates and Wilshere praised him for his actions.
“He’s a big fan favourite as well, isn’t he,” said Cates. “He actually did give over his shirt. So nice that he sent it to him ready washed in the rain.”
Wilshere added: “No, he’s a fan favourite. He came from Hale-End, like Saka and myself and a few others.
“I know personally when you have that relationship with the fans, it really gives you confidence and he is showing that.”
Given how Smith Rowe has started the season, some would have felt that he was worthy of earning an England call.
Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka will now be preparing for Three Lions duty and they will link-up at St George’s Park next week.
But it does seem as though Ben White and Smith Rowe are on the cusp on re-earning or earning that first time spot for their country.
Smith Rowe is a natural talent on the ball, an expert ball-carrier, the ability to play the game at his own pace, connects the defence and attack, so there’s no reason why, if he continues his current form, then he won’t get an England knock pretty soon.
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