Arsenal youngster gets senior international call-up | OneFootball

Teagan Scarlett, the 18-year-old defender from Arsenal’s academy, has been handed her first senior call-up to the Wales national team by head coach Rhian Wilkinson.

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Despite not yet training with Arsenal’s first team, Scarlett’s development at youth level has earned her a place in the 26-player squad for Wales’ upcoming friendlies against Australia and Poland later this month.

Scarlett, who has already represented Wales at under-17 and under-19 level, joins a youthful squad that includes nine uncapped players.

The match against Australia, to be played at the Cardiff City Stadium on 25 October, will also serve as a farewell to long-serving midfielder Jess Fishlock, who is retiring from international football after a distinguished career.

Wilkinson confirmed Scarlett’s selection alongside fellow first-time call-ups Mia Ross and Annie Wilding, saying the trio had impressed during a summer training camp in Portugal ahead of the Euros. Scarlett’s inclusion continues her rapid rise through the ranks, having only begun playing football towards the end of primary school after switching from gymnastics.

Speaking to Goal Click during her time with Arsenal’s under-16s, Scarlett said: “I started playing football relatively late – switching from gymnastics in year five. I played grassroots football for a year before going to an Arsenal Development Centre and then was fortunate enough to get through to the Academy set up after a trial at the end of that season.”

Known for her composure on the ball and tactical awareness, Scarlett has become one of the most promising prospects in Arsenal’s youth setup, capable of playing across the back line.

Her first senior international call-up comes as Wales seek to refresh their squad, with a number of senior players unavailable through injury.

Wales will face Australia in Cardiff on 25 October before playing Poland in Newport on 28 October.