Micah Richards says who he thinks is better between Myles Lewis-Skelly and Djed Spence

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Micah Richards’ latest discussion with Gary Lineker was fitting given that Arsenal host Tottenham after the international break.

The November international break has been a tough time for Mikel Arteta back in North London, having seen Gabriel Magalhaes pick up a groin injury.

It’s not only Arsenal’s growing injury concerns that have made the break in domestic action difficult at Colney, as some players remained at the club instead of going on duty.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was not called up by Thomas Tuchel, with talk about his omission from the England squad generating discussion about his future.

Though it’s understood that Arsenal don’t want to loan Lewis-Skelly out, everyone has eyes on the Englishman’s game time, including Richards and Lineker.

Micah Richards says Djed Spence is ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly right now

The Arsenal teenager was a topic of conversation on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football Podcast, where all things World Cup were discussed.

First, the talk started with the panel being asked who they’d select as England’s first choice left-back, prompting Richards to express his admiration for Lewis-Skelly.

“I would go Myles Lewis-Skelly,” Richards said, as Lineker agreed, “I think he’s a special talent.”

Though Richards acknowledged that Tuchel has other options, the pundit explained what sets the Arsenal academy product apart.

“I just feel Myles Lewis-Skelly, he’s got the X Factor. When he plays in the Champions League, the only thing that will stop him now…Is he going to play enough football between now and the end of the season?”

The 19-year-old couldn’t be spoken about without his lack of game time coming into the debate, which then saw Richards’ opinion alter.

When reminded that Tottenham’s Djed Spence is an option at left-back, Richards changed his mind.

“I’ll play Djed Spence,” he said.

Lineker clarified, “You’d go ahead of Lewis-Skelly?”

The former Manchester City star doubled down on his decision, but only because of the one difference between the two defenders right now.

“Because he plays every week,” Richards concluded.

For now, Richards backs Spence to be ahead of Lewis-Skelly in the queue for the World Cup, unless the Arsenal star’s outlook changes.

Spence has already come to Lewis-Skelly’s defence

There’s a rivalry between Lewis-Skelly and Spence, not only for a spot in the England squad, but at club level too.

With the North London Derby coming up, the pair will be desperate to impress against one another; however, there’s no bad blood between the two defenders.

In March, Spence stood up for Lewis-Skelly about the teenager’s celebration against Manchester City.

The 19-year-old was slammed in the media for copying Erling Haaland’s celebration, but Spence certainly approved of what the Arsenal gem did.

“I loved it, man. I was like, ‘he’s a bad boy for that’. Haaland said to him, “Who are you?” He scored and let him know who he was. Why not do that?”

There’s respect between the two players over that moment last season, but on Sunday, the niceties will be spared.