Harry Redknapp has called on Gareth Southgate to select Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe in his England squad for the FIFA World Cup later this year.
The 21-year-old netted his 10th goal of the season for the Gunners in all competitions on Saturday afternoon as the north Londoners beat Brentford 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Smith Rowe really introduced himself to the Arsenal supporters on Boxing Day of 2020, where he shone for the Gunners, who beat Chelsea 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium and in the next five matches after that, the Hale End academy graduate recorded three assists and scored one goal.
Since being introduced to the first-team fold by Mikel Arteta, Smith Rowe has established himself as one of Arsenal's most important players - and that proved true again on Saturday, where he was one of the standout performers on the pitch.
In November of last year, Smith Rowe made his senior England debut, as he came on as a 77th minute substitute against Albania and he has now been backed to make the squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Writing in his BetVictor column, where he selected his team of the week for the weekend's matches in the Premier League, Redknapp lauded Smith Rowe for his performance.
"Another top performance and another goal for Emile Smith Rowe, the first Arsenal midfielder to score 10+ goals across all competitions in a single season since Aaron Ramsey in 2017/18," Redknapp said. "That’s some stat. He’s got a huge future ahead and has to be on that plane to Qatar."
Southgate is clearly a big fan of Smith Rowe, and speaking after the Arsenal star netted his first England goal in their thrashing of San Marino last year, the Three Lions boss praised the midfielder's "tight control" of the ball.
He said: "I thought Emile has given a good account [of himself] all week. His tight control is exceptional and he has to continue what he is doing. We finished with a young side tonight."
However, in Smith Rowe's position, he faces a lot of competition for a spot. The Euros squad last summer included: Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka - who all play in similar positions to the Gunners ace.
If the Arsenal man can ensure a consistent place in the first-team between now and the end of the season, though, then Southgate may well turn to him when he announces his final squad later in the year.
