Midfielder scouted by Eric Chelle added to England's pre-World Cup training camp squad

Arsenal-owned, dual-national midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has been included in England's travelling squad as a training player for their pre-World Cup camp in Florida, according to an update from the English Football Association.

Nwaneri is one of four additional players joining the preparation camp in Palm Beach, alongside Liverpool forward of Nigerian descent Rio Ngumoha, Alex Scott and Josh King.

Goalkeeper Jason Steele will also remain with the squad as a training goalkeeper for the duration of the tournament.

Nwaneri spent the second half of the 2025–26 season on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille, where he made 11 appearances across all competitions, including four starts.

The Hale End Academy product is a player of interest to both the Nigeria Football Federation and Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

The Malian tactician assessed Nwaneri during Marseille's 3-0 victory over Rennes in the Coupe de France on February 3, with the England U21 international playing the entirety of the first half.

Although Nwaneri has not ruled out representing Nigeria, the attacking midfielder is understood to be leaning towards committing his international future to England at senior level.

The 19-year-old has been capped by England at U16, U17, U19 and U21 levels, and became provisionally cap-tied to the 1966 world champions after featuring in a European U17 Championship qualifier against Lithuania in October 2022

Nwaneri is the fifth London-born player of Nigerian heritage in England’s travelling squad to Florida, joining Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke, as well as Liverpool's Ngumoha.