In Focus: Eddie ready to step up for England and Arsenal

After breaking records with England Under-21s, Eddie Nketiah now has a chance to prove himself worthy of a place in the senior team. 

The Arsenal striker has been called up to Gareth Southgate's squad for the first time after a promising run of form with the Gunners.

Ahead of the Three Lions' Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on Saturday, we take a look at Nketiah's career to date and future prospects. 

Ghana decision

Nketiah is England U-21's all-time leading scorer, with 16 goals from 17 appearances. 

The 24-year-old has long-seemed destined to play for the senior team but a lack of progress at Arsenal has delayed his call-up. 

In that period, Nketiah turned down the chance to switch his international allegiance to Ghana and he spoke this week about his decision to hold out for an opportunity under Southgate. 

He said: "Both sides were always an option. Naturally, coming through the academy at England you have the aspiration to play here. 

"Once the call-up was there and the offer was on the table it was really hard to turn down and something which I felt was a natural progression for myself at this stage." 

Kane tips

Like any striker called up for the England squad, Nketiah faces the toughest possible path to a starting spot, due to the presence of the country's all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane. 

Yet the Arsenal forward has claimed that he is looking forward to learning from the skipper, who recently joined Bayern Munich from the Gunners' local rivals Tottenham. 

Nketiah joked: "It makes the conversation a little bit easier now he has made the move. 

"I might have a few notes in my phone of what to ask him about. 

"I've had my first session so I'm sure I'll be in his ear all week. Getting tips and learning." 

Former Spurs and England defender Ledley King has claimed that he can see Nketiah and Kane playing together one day. 

King said: "He's different to some of the other strikers. He's more cat-like. Ian Wright and Jermain Defoe are two he reminds me of. He's very sharp in his movements. 

"Harry's not old, he's just in his 30s now and maybe he's someone who will drop into a No10 eventually. Nketiah could be the next one to play up top." 

Arsenal battle

Nketiah also spoke about his experience working and learning from Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Ian Wright. 

He said: "Thierry has been magnificent for me. I was coached by him as a first-year scholar at Arsenal at 16 and it was amazing. One of my best and most enjoyable seasons.

"Ian Wright has also given me a lot of advice over the years and been supportive. I saw him at a photo shoot recently and we were talking about the start of the season, how well I have done." 

Nketiah has scored twice in four Premier League games for Arsenal this season but his battle for starts is just as tough at club level, as it promises to be for his country. 

Gabriel Jesus replaced him during the 3-1 win against Manchester United last Sunday and scored the final goal. 

With only nine goals from 39 appearances last season, Nketiah needs to build on his fine start to the current campaign if he is to fulfil his promise for Arsenal and England.