Former West Ham United and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole has revealed that Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe is gradually becoming the main man at the North London club and that he has been impressed with the contributions for the Gunners. Joe Cole praised Smith-Rowe in a recent interview monitored by Express Sport. According to him, the Arsenal fans now have a high expectation from Smith-Rowe whenever he’s on the pitch especially when the team is in trouble or in need of inspiration.
Emile Smith-Rowe has been one of the best young players in the Premier League after an impressive attacking return of four goals and two assists in eleven (11) games. His form has lifted the Gunners into the top five places on the Premier League log and just six points off leaders Chelsea. He was rewarded for his excellent Arsenal form with an invitation to the England senior national team squad. Smith-Rowe was upgraded from the u-21 squad to the first team squad after the Three Lions were hit with several withdrawals ahead of the Albania game.
Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw, Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount and Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashfordall withdrew from the squad for the home game against the Albanians in what was the penultimate World Cup 2022 qualifier for the England team.
Arsenal star Smith-Rowe made his England senior team debut as a second half substitute for Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling as England ran out 5-0 winners with none of the goals coming in the second half. Harry Kane (3), Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire all scored in the first half to lead England to a big win.
Smith-Rowe was handed his full debut in the final World Cup qualifier at the home of San Marino and he responded with a goal and an assist as England beat their opponents 10-0. San Marino played the last quarter with ten men after Dante Rossi was given a red card for two yellow cards. His second yellow card was for a foul on England substitute Conor Gallagher.