Ethan Nwaneri and Mikey Moore could be ready for big seasons of senior football after their performances for England this week. The Arsenal and Tottenham duo shone at the U17 European Championships despite England’s quarter-final defeat against Italy.
Nwaneri scored a stunning goal against the Italians, assisted by a driving run and expert pass by Moore. The latter slalomed beyond several Italy defenders before setting up Nwaneri, who curled a stunning left-footed effort into the top corner.
The goal gave England the lead after just 16 minutes, and the positive start suggested the Young Lions may go on to win comfortably. However, Italy equalised through Mattia Liberali in the 29th minute and, in familiar Euros agony for England, they went on to win on penalties.
But the performances of Nwaneri and Moore are likely to get fans excited about the upcoming Premier League season. The attacking duo can save their respective clubs millions in the upcoming transfer window by bursting onto the scene next term.
Nwaneri’s strike against Italy came just days after Moore’s own sumptuous effort against Spain. He collected Christian McFarlane’s pass, took a touch inside and curled the ball into the top corner.
Still only 16, Moore is regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects. Despite an injury-hit campaign, he capped some fine form for Spurs’ U18s and U21s by making his senior debut against Manchester City earlier this month.
Moore then played again in the final-day victory over Sheffield United. First-team involvement was a reward for an impressive record of 14 goals in 12 appearances in the U18 Premier League. Ange Postecoglou insisted that Moore had not looked out of place when he trained with the senior side, which became a regular occurrence in the final months of the campaign.
Academy manager Simon Davies has called for caution on Moore. “It’s encouraging that the manager sees something in Mikey but it is just potential at the moment,” Davies told the Evening Standard.
Tottenham’s Mikey Moore is considered one of England’s brightest talents (Imag
He’s a 16-year-old boy. He’s not 17 until August, so he’s a young boy with high potential. We have several of them in the academy.
“It’s exciting for the academy to have a player so young on the bench. But we have to stay calm and consistent. Because at the moment, it is just [potential].”
But there might be little stopping fans from getting excited about Nwaneri and Moore.
