Eddie Nketiah presented with England MU21s golden boot

Eddie Nketiah’s status as England men’s Under-21’s record goalscorer was recognised this week when his former MU21 coach Michael Johnson presented the striker with a special award.

In October 2020, Nketiah surpassed Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers’ joint record of 13 goals for the MU21s when he scored against Turkey, making it 14 goals in just 12 games for the age group.

Nketiah ended his England youth career with 16 goals in 17 games and this week Johnson, who was an assistant coach during Nketiah’s time with the MU21s, visited the striker to give him the specially-made award.

Speaking to the 23 year old, Johnson said: “On behalf of the FA, Gareth [Southgate] and the technical director [John McDermott], I just want to say a massive congratulations to you.

“To break Alan Shearer and Franny Jeffers’ record is not a little thing so this is a small token to show that you are now the all-time goalscoring record holder for the Under-21s. It is a massive achievement and thoroughly deserved.”

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After @EddieNketiah9 became our Under-21s' all-time leading goalscorer in 2020, #YoungLions representative @jonsarno surprised him with a specially-made trophy.

📹 @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/VrNHQ5hvJS

— England (@England) January 13, 2023

Nketiah, who has scored four goals in as many games for Arsenal since Christmas, replied: “Wow. I am grateful for the award and to everyone at the FA. I loved my time being there [with the Under-21s] and working with the boys in training. I improved so much. 

“I am grateful and hopefully there are more achievements to come in the future.”