Nketiah Called Up to England National Team for the First Time

Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah received his first call-up to the England national team as coach Gareth Southgate announced his squad for the away match against Ukraine in Group C of the Euro 2024 qualifiers next week. Also joining the squad is young Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, but teammate Raheem Sterling was not called up despite his excellent start to the new season. Nketiah has been a key player for England's Under-21 team and has started the season well with Arsenal, scoring two goals in the first three matches of the Premier League. Southgate commented on Nketiah and Colwill: "Two young players who are putting in great performances; they have done well with our youth and junior teams. Levi spent time with us in the summer." Southgate also maintained his trust in Manchester United defender Harry Maguire despite him not participating with his club so far this season, while retaining Jordan Henderson, who joined Saudi club Al-Ettifaq in July. Regarding Sterling's exclusion once again, Southgate stated, "There is a lot of competition for that position. I’m really pleased with his performance at Chelsea, but everyone has started the season well." England, currently leading Group C, will face Ukraine in Poland on September 9 before playing a friendly against Scotland the following week.