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Arsenal 19yo with 24 senior caps called up again

Arsenal youth summer signing James Scanlon has been called up by Gibraltar for the international break, having already made plenty of appearances for their senior team.

Wes Burns of Wales is challenged by James Robert Scanlon of Gibraltar during the international friendly match between Gibraltar and Wales at Estadio Algarve on June 06, 2024 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Gibraltar have officially confirmed their squad list for the upcoming September-October international break, with Arsenal summer signing James Scanlon included in their squad.

Scanlon joined from Manchester United in late August, and he’s made a positive start to life with the Gunners.

With two goals in four games and a strong performance against Leyton Orient’s senior side last week, Scanlon looks to be a good addition to the Gunners’ u21 team. But internationally, he’s already an experienced senior player.

Liam Walker, Bradley Banda, Jayce Olivero, Louie Annesley, Bernardo Lopes, Kian Ronan, Daniel Bent, Nicholas Pozo, Ethan Jolley, Andre Tjay De Barr and James Scanlon of Gibraltar during the national anthem during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League D Group D1 match between Liechtenstein and Gibraltar at Rheinpark Stadion on October 13, 2024 in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. (Photo by Carsten Harz/Getty Images)
Photo by Carsten Harz/Getty Images

Despite being just 19, Scanlon has already racked up 24 international appearances for the Gibraltar first-team, scoring five goals and assisting one.

The teenage winger is in strong form internationally, having scored three of those goals in his last two appearances. He’ll now get the chance to keep that momentum going over the break.

Gibraltar have two friendly matches and two Nations League fixtures over the next fortnight, beginning with a friendly at home to Sao Tome and Principe on September 23rd.

The Nations League matches are sandwiched in the middle, with Gibraltar playing Andorra at home on September 27th, and Malta away on October 1st. They’ll then wrap things up with another friendly away to Liechtenstein on October 5th.

James Scanlon of Gibraltar is put under pressure by Max Goeppel of Liechtenstein during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League D Group D1 match between Liechtenstein and Gibraltar at Rheinpark Stadion on October 13, 2024 in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. (Photo by Carsten Harz/Getty Images)
Photo by Carsten Harz/Getty Images

Arsenal have seen quite a few players playing for their senior national teams before getting any serious involvement with the first team in recent years.

Notable examples include Dan Ballard with Northern Ireland, Karl Hein with Estonia, and current youth forward Ceadach O’Neill, who has been called up for the last two breaks with Northern Ireland.

Scanlon’s aim will be to help Gibraltar to achieve Nations League promotion, potentially setting up some matches against big-name opponents in the next cycle.

GIRONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 01: Ceadach O'Neill of Arsenal FC runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
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