Rio Ferdinand names two Arsenal teenagers who could be on England’s radar very soon

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Rio Ferdinand has tipped Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and Charlie Patino to be around the England squad before eventually making their debuts.

The Premier League season is now on pause as the attention turns to the World Cup.

Arsenal may be a little gutted to see the Premier League go away having moved five points clear at the top of the table on Saturday.

Arsenal will though have a host of players in action at the World Cup with the likes of Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale featuring with England.

Rio Ferdinand has praised Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and Charlie Patino

Some may wonder if youngsters are going to be in Qatar soaking up the experience.

Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Ryan Sessegnon were all flown out to Russia for the 2018 World Cup to experience the biggest even in football.

Yet it’s worth pointing out here that this wasn’t just an England decision; Nike actually set the wheels in motion for the trio to head to Russia.

There hasn’t been any word on whether more English youngsters will be at this World Cup but Rio Ferdinand has now spoken about it.

Speaking on Vibe With Five on Monday evening, Ferdinand was asked to name a few young players who could spend time around the England squad before making their debuts in the future, having done the same himself for Euro 96.

Ferdinand named the likes of Brentford goalkeeper Matthew Cox and Brighton and Hove Albion defender Levi Colwill.

Ferdinand then turned his attention to two Arsenal talents in Charlie Patino and Ethan Nwaneri.

Patino is shining out on loan at Championship club Blackpool whilst Nwaneri became the youngest player to ever feature in the Premier League back in September, playing for Arsenal against Brentford at 16 years and 181 days.

The pair are very highly-rated and Ferdinand suggested that those two are teenagers who could be brought in around the England senior squad in the near future if it isn’t for this World Cup.

“Charlie Patino could be another one,” said Ferdinand. “Ethan Nwaneri, the one who came on and made his debut at Arsenal. He’s got a chance, Ethan,” he added.