Myles Lewis-Skelly’s career continues on its rapid upward trajectory, after the Arsenal man was named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
The teenager has established himself in the Gunners’ first team this season, starting eight Premier League games under Mikel Arteta, all of which have come since December.
The Hale End academy graduate has been rewarded for his form, as Thomas Tuchel named his first England squad on Friday morning, which included Lewis-Skelly.
Declan Rice also made the German’s inaugural ensemble, while Ethan Nwaneri and Ben White were left out.
The Three Lions take on Albania and Latvia later this month, with Lewis-Skelly expected to feature for his nation for the first time, competing for the vacant left-back spot in Tuchel’s team.
Thomas Tuchel on Myles Lewis-Skelly amid England call-up
Arsenal fans were delighted for Lewis-Skelly after the squad was announced, with the Gunners’ faithful beaming with pride at the sight of an 18-year-old academy graduate being included in the national team squad at such a young age.
Lewis Hall was expected to take the left-back mantle for England, but the Newcastle man has been ruled out for the season with injury, potentially opening the door for Lewis-Skelly to establish himself in the position under Tuchel.
Speaking on the decision to call the Arsenal youngster up, the former Chelsea boss waxed lyrical about Lewis-Skelly.
“For the first call-up, we’ve accelerated Myles’ career again, which was already on fast track in the last few months,” Tuchel said.
“He’s a regular starter, a regular player for Arsenal at the moment, the second strongest team in the Premier League. He’s just nothing but impressive.”
Tuchel revealed that he’s already spoken to Lewis-Skelly, and was impressed by his character.
“It’s always a nice phone call to call someone up, or a nice message,” the tactician explained.
“Myles will now skip the under-21s, which would normally be a regular pathway for him, but due to injuries, and due to the flexibility we want to have in our squad, and of course due to his capability and quality, and game time recently, he deserves to be with us.
“To them [Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn] I’ve spoken, and it was a very impressive phone call, very impressive messages that made me very comfortable in this call-up that we will pick a top team player that will help us to build the right team.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s statistics this season
Lewis-Skelly has been exceptional for Arsenal this season, usurping the likes of Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the left-back pecking order since establishing himself in the side in December.
The starlet has seamlessly slotted into a role that he’s not been developed in at youth level, and has excelled on the defensive side of the game.
Strong in one-on-one duels, imposing when defending his box and positionally secure, he’s also demonstrated a capacity to progress the ball to a good level at his age.
| Lewis-Skelly’s Premier League Statistics 2024/25 | |
| Appearances | 13 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 91.6% |
| Progressive Passes per 90 | 4.67 |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.53 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 0.67 |
| Fouls Won per 90 | 2.8 |
Completing almost 92% of his passes and playing 4.67 progressive passes per 90 minutes, the defender is extremely comfortable in possession, and helps Arsenal retain the ball while also getting it up the pitch.
Perhaps his strongest strength is his press resistance, drawing pressure from the opponent, turning them and winning fouls frequently throughout matches.
The sky is the limit for Arsenal’s newest England international.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
