Emile Smith Rowe has been one of the stars of Arsenal’s mixed season so far, and is now leaving his mark in the England U21s squad on head coach Lee Carsley, via football.london.
The midfielder has started six of the Gunners’ seven Premier League fixtures and featured from the bench against Norwich City. Mikel Arteta has put a lot of faith in the 21-year-old, who stepped up with a goal and an assist in their north London derby win over Tottenham.
Smith Rowe has yet been involved in any goals outside of Arsenal’s 3-1 victory at home to rivals Spurs. But Carsley claims the Hale End graduate has excited him by how mature the youngster is proving himself to be. However, also aware he must manage his workload.
Carsley is likely to start Smith Rowe when England’s U21s face Slovenia on Thursday for the Arsenal ace’s third appearance. Illness ruled the Gunners talent out of the Young Lions’ win over Kosovo last month, following his debut in March.
“I’m excited by not only Emile, but a lot of the players. They are playing at a very high level at their clubs,” Carsley said. “What’s surprised me most is their mentality. We expect them to be resilient when they are not playing well, but we also expect them to be calm and calculated when doing really well.
“It’s about getting that balance in the middle and Emile seems very level-headed. He works very hard. We’ve made sure to manage his load this week because he’s coming off the back of a lot of games and a lot of high-pressured games, as well. We’ve made sure he’s well prepared and rested for this game tomorrow.”
Smith Rowe to shine for England like Arsenal under Carsley?
Carsley will hope Smith Rowe shines for England’s U21s like he has for Arsenal during their mixed season so far. Even in the Gunners’ shock opening day loss at Brentford, the London-born midfielder impressed considerably with a bright attacking presence.
Smith Rowe has broken between the lines throughout his appearances so far this season under Arteta at the Emirates Stadium. His runs have caused opposing defences’ problems and dragged the Gunners up the field. Unfortunately, only finding the net against Spurs.
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