The English press have given their verdict on Arsenal stars Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice after Friday night’s performance against Albania.
The Three Lions cruised to victory in the first game of the Thomas Tuchel era, opening their World Cup 2026 qualification campaign with a comfortable win at Wembley.
Lewis-Skelly scored on his international debut, neatly converting after being played through on goal by a lovely pass from Jude Bellingham.
Harry Kane doubled the lead in the second half, expertly slotting home from Declan Rice’s cross.
The result sees England top their qualification group after one match, with Latvia awaiting in north-west London on Monday.
English media praise Myles Lewis-Skelly for England debut
Arsenal fans were beaming with pride over Lewis-Skelly’s performance and goal, with the teenager delivering an exceptional display in his first cap for his country.
Calm and composed on the ball, the Gunners youngster was also solid defensively throughout the 90 minutes.
Jude Bellingham waxed lyrical about Lewis-Skelly in his post-match interview, and the Real Madrid midfielder wasn’t the only one to praise the starlet.
The Daily Mail gave the player an 8/10 in their player ratings, writing: “What an outstanding footballer. Had to rub your eyes when he scored to make sure it was not Kane, such was the prolific nature of the finish.”
Meanwhile, the Guardian also awarded Lewis-Skelly an 8/10: “A dream debut for the 18-year-old. Burst through to open the scoring with a cool finish. Calm defensively and adventurous in possession. Here to stay.”
The Telegraph also jumped on the hype train, writing another 8/10 review: “Wonderful finish in the 20th minute through the legs of Strakosha, reward for his positive running from left-back. He became England’s youngest debut goalscorer.”
English media also positively review Declan Rice’s performance
Rice gave Lewis-Skelly his plaudits after the game, but the 26-year-old was arguably as impressive in the middle of the park.
While the 18-year-old has inevitably grabbed the headlines, the senior star was steady in possession, whilst being essential to England’s ability to suppress Albania and keep them penned into their own defensive third.
Like his Arsenal counterpart, Rice received the same marks across the board from three different media outlets, who all awarded him with a 7/10.
The Daily Mail wrote about the former West Ham man: “Nice assist for Kane. England completed more passes in the first half than any 45 minutes on Opta’s records.”
The Guardian added: “Looked to hold his position in defensive midfield. Lofted pass fashioned an opening. The second half was more difficult.”
Finally, the Telegraph wrote: “Floated assist for Kane. Often the deepest midfielder so had to play with discipline when Albania came out more in the second half. Used the ball well with a lot of congestion in front of him.”
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