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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

How Arsenal players reacted to teammate Emile Smith Rowe's first England goal

A year ago, the idea of Emile Smith Rowe playing for England - let alone scoring for the national team - will have felt like a distant dream.

The midfielder had returned to Arsenal after a loan spell with Huddersfield Town, but would have to wait until Boxing Day for his first Premier League appearance of the season.

A lot can change in 12 months, though, and Smith Rowe's form for the Gunners, both last season and this, earned him a call-up for England's World Cup qualifying double-header against Albania and San Marino.

After coming off the bench to make his debut at Wembley, the 21 was handed his first start for his country on Monday night, and wasted little time scoring his first goal as an England senior international.

Should Emile Smith Rowe go to the 2022 World Cup? Let us know in the comments section

Smith Rowe scored his first England senior goal against San Marino (Getty Images)

Smith Rowe was one of three Arsenal players in the starting line-up against San Marino, along with Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka.

The midfielder shared a photo of his appearance on Instagram, prompting applause and congratulations from another of his club and international teammates.

Saka responded with applause, and he was far from the only one to show his appreciation for England's newest full debutant

Smith Rowe's goal was England's seventh in an eventual 10-0 win, with Harry Kane scoring four.

Defenders Harry Maguire and Tyrone Mings also found the net, as did Saka and Tammy Abraham, while San Marino's Filippo Fabbri scored a first-half own goal.

The result ensured England finished top of their qualifying group for the upcoming 2022 World Cup, avoiding a tricky play-off.

Arsenal's academy graduates were particularly vocal in their congratulations, with Folarin Balogun joining Saka in replying in emoji form.

The replies to Smith Rowe's post also featured Reiss Nelson, who played with Smith Rowe in north London but is now on loan at Feyenoord.

Current Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette also showed his appreciation, writing "What a player", while other non-Gunners to chip in included England colleague Ben Chilwell and former Three Lions captain John Terry.

A number of players congratulated Emile Smith Rowe (emilesmithrowe/Instagram)

On Twitter, there was plenty of praise from Arsenal fans and players alike, with former Gunner Steve Sidwell describing the midfielder as a "class act" and Arsenal's academy expressing their pride.

There was also a shout-out from fellow England international Phil Foden, who congratulated Smith Rowe and fellow England colleague Tyrone Mings on scoring their first international goals after himself playing in San Marino.

Arsenal colleagues Saka and Balogun were among those to praise their teammate (emilesmithrowe/Instagram)

Smith Rowe will hope his performance in San Marino gives him an opportunity to make his case for a place in England's World Cup squad in 2022.

The Qatar tournament will begin in November next year, rather than the usual summer slot, but those involved this month will have to wait for their next opportunity to impress international manager Gareth Southgate while in England colours.

Who will make it into England's World Cup squad? Vote below

England don't have another international game until the new year, with the next break coming in March 2022.

Before then, though, Smith Rowe will have work to do with Arsenal as he aims to help his club keep up their solid start to the season.

Mikel Arteta's side face Liverpool in their first game back, before hosting Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium and travelling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

Smith Rowe already has five league goals this season, and will want to keep up his recent form for club and country.

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