EMILE SMITH ROWE has revealed his ongoing battle with nerves, claiming lockdown football sparked his spectacular rise because there were no fans to watch him.
The Arsenal midfielder has established himself as one of the brightest stars in the Premier League over the past 12 months and was this week handed his first senior England call-up.
He is hoping to play in front of a packed Wembley in Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania but explained how behind-closed-doors football during the pandemic gave him the confidence to realise his potential.
Smith Rowe was part of England’s Under-17 World Cup-winning squad in 2017 but watched as team-mates Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi all blossomed ahead of him.
Now he has become a key part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, with Arsenal’s Boxing Day win over Chelsea proving a significant turning point.
“It was a big game, but no fans definitely helped me,” said the 21-year-old. “I’m always really nervous before a game and not having that pressure of everyone shouting helped me a lot.
“I’m quite surprised it’s worked out this way. I thought I wouldn’t be as confident as I am at the moment.
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Denne historien er fra November 10, 2021-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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