ARSENAL are not only the champions of England, but they are also champions for England.

The Gunners have the highest representation in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, boasting five players—more than the entire traditional ‘Big Six’ combined.

Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ben White, Ezri Konsa, and Eberechi Eze were all selected by Tuchel.

Only Everton, with three players, come close to matching Arsenal, and Arteta could have had even more of his squad members heading to St George’s Park.

Noni Madueke’s exclusion from the squad came as a surprise, particularly after several standout performances in Bukayo Saka’s absence.

Tuchel remarked that Madueke was “very close” to being selected, calling it a “tough decision.”

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Saka, who is sidelined with a quad injury, would surely have been included had he been fit and available.

Mikel Arteta understands the significance of maintaining an English core for success and nurturing a relationship with fans.

He commented: “There is something intrinsic that has to be in you, in your veins, in your roots. You either possess it or you don’t.

“When you’re from here, it creates a strong connection, especially since we’ve signed players who have been Arsenal supporters since childhood. That holds a different significance.

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“You can become one, which is great, and we have a few of them, but when it’s already in your DNA, that’s even more powerful and crucial for me.”

This season marks the most English representation in Arsenal’s first team in 25 years, a conscious effort made by Arteta.

When asked if he had intentionally signed English players, he stated: “Yes, absolutely. Then, it’s crucial to assimilate that into the entire eco-system of the club.

“And in the locker room to ensure the building of relationships, personalities, and leadership essential for achieving our goals. This approach is certainly crafted with careful consideration.”

Arteta was at Arsenal when Arsène Wenger attempted to create a similar ‘British Core’ in 2012, shifting from his traditionally European-focused squads.

Wenger secured long-term contracts for Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, asserting they would be the “foundation” of the squad for the foreseeable future.

Arteta recalls those five players signing their contracts and Wenger expressing their significance to the team.

The Spaniard reflected: “I remember a picture of all of them together. So, I do recollect Arsène frequently discussing their importance, which rings so true.”

Arteta is optimistic about nurturing the next generation of English talent in his squad, alongside those already making their mark for club and country.

Max Dowman, who is currently suspended from domestic play following a red card at Fleetwood, has earned his first call-up to Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad at just 16 years old.

Ethan Nwaneri and Tommy Setford are also set to represent the U21s, while Marli Salmon is in the U18 squad and could make his debut for that age group.