Arsenal stars Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been backed to receive their first England senior call-ups as part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad this month.
It would represent an incredible rise for the pair, who started the season featuring largely for the Hale End Academy.
With injury issues occurring over the campaign, both Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have taken their opportunities to make a first-team shirt their own.
It’s no strange sight to see the two youngsters starting over other senior Arsenal teammates, such is their rise.
However, with the England squad announcement just around the corner, discussions have continued over whether the pair should be involved in the March side.
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Martin Keown and Joe Cole on Arsenal pair Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly to England
Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first England games this month as he looks to guide the Three Lions towards World Cup glory next year.
With plenty of injuries across the Premier League, it may be tough for him to pick his ideal first team, but could open up opportunities for some debutants.
When asked about the possibility of Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly taking those slots, Joe Cole told TNT Sports: “Yes, for me, because both of them will play for England for many, many years.
“Throw them in now and I think Thomas [Tuchel] will probably want to have a look at them. They’re so talented. They’re not 17 and 18 playing at a club in the middle of the table…”
Arsenal legend Martin Keown added: “f you’re good enough, you’re old enough aren’t you, really? I feel Nwaneri, ok I think he’s been rested tonight, I think that’s a good thing he’s not playing the game tonight, if he’s going to be in the England squad, I think he probably will be.
“I’ve not seen too many players play out on the right as well as him. I know it’s a meteoric rise to the top but he’s a decent football, he looks like a real player to me.
“And [Myles Lewis-] Skelly answers a problem for England at left-back. There aren’t too many around with Lewis Hall out, he was another one coming in. We’ll see what Thomas Tuchel really wants to do.”
It certainly suggests that the duo are in a good position to feature for the Three Lions, but it remains to be seen if they will get that call.
Injuries could help Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly in England squad hopes
There are some England fans who would be puzzled with two Arsenal youngsters receiving a call-up just a few months after making their senior debut.
There is a lot of pressure relating to pulling on an England shirt, though it’s nothing both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly won’t have experienced playing for the Gunners.
Their chances are only boosted further by injuries for their more experienced counterparts, namely Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury on the right, while Lewis Hall’s injury opens up the left-back option more.
It remains to be seen whether the youngsters could be involved so soon in their careers, with neither of them yet to make an appearance at under-21s international level, let along the senior side.
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