Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly is now facing strong competition from Nico O’Reilly for a spot in England’s World Cup squad following his brace against Newcastle United.
The defender’s dream of being part of Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad is slowly drifting away, with his lack of minutes certainly not helping his case.
Who will go on to have the better career: Nico O’Reilly or Myles Lewis-Skelly?
On Saturday evening, O’Reilly really announced himself as a strong contender to start at left-back for England, and also put a big dent in Arsenal’s title charge.
The 20-year-old has looked really impressive this summer and is now primed to take Lewis-Skelly’s spot in England’s World Cup squad.
Nico O’Reilly is set to take Myles Lewis-Skelly’s England spot
Nico O’Reilly now looks well on course to be part of England’s World Cup squad next summer, ahead of Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Lewis-Skelly was omitted from England’s last squad, and his lack of minutes over recent months almost certainly means his chances of being in the next one are slim.
Truly, it’s been bizarre what has happened to the 19-year-old who looked like one of the Premier League’s best young talents last season.
From Lewis-Skelly scoring against Man City to his performance at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League, he looked capable of being a key player for both Arsenal and England.
However, since the arrival of Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi, his chances in both midfield and at left-back have reduced significantly.
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The teenager has started just once in the Premier League and has played a total of 312 minutes this season, significantly fewer than O’Reilly.
O’Reilly is enjoying a great season at the Etihad with 1,975 Premier League minutes under his belt and five goals plus six assists across all competitions.
His latest two goals for City will certainly have put his name at the forefront of Tuchel’s thinking for his World Cup squad next summer; meanwhile, Lewis Hall also scored, putting extra pressure on Lewis-Skelly.
Myles Lewis-Skelly will be regretting his January transfer decision
Lewis-Skelly will surely be regretting his January transfer decision not to leave Arsenal on loan, given his lack of minutes.
Lewis-Skelly was linked with a loan move away from Arsenal during the last transfer window; however, Mikel Arteta and the club opted against it.
Riccardo Calafiori’s injury troubles have meant Lewis-Skelly has been required to back up Hincapie, but even then, his minutes have been limited.
Unfortunately for Lewis-Skelly not leaving for regular minutes looks set to cost him his spot in the England squad.
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