Arsenal rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly is reportedly optimistic about securing a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, which will be announced on Friday. The newly-appointed Three Lions boss is preparing for England’s opening World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Albania and Latvia later this month.
Despite starting the season behind Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Riccardo Calafiori in Arsenal’s left-back pecking order, Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign. The 18-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and starting eight Premier League matches.
His impressive performances have drawn widespread praise, with some even calling him “the best English left-back right now.” With limited options available due to injuries, Lewis-Skelly could make a surprise leap into the senior squad, despite never featuring for the England Under-21s.
The youngster’s hopes have been boosted by injuries to key left-back options. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Manchester United’s Luke Shaw are both out, while Ben Chilwell, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, has played just 229 minutes this season. Other candidates like Tyrick Mitchell and Dan Burn are also in contention, but Lewis-Skelly’s form could give him the edge.
However, Lewis-Skelly’s disciplinary record may raise concerns for Tuchel. The Arsenal starlet has been sent off twice this season, although his red card against Wolves was later overturned. He also narrowly avoided another dismissal in Arsenal’s 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
If selected, Lewis-Skelly would follow in the footsteps of Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, who earned a spot in the Euro 2024 squad without playing a single minute for the Under-21s. The young defender’s versatility and defensive abilities could be exactly what Tuchel needs in his first squad.
Lewis-Skelly isn’t the only Arsenal academy product making headlines this season. Ethan Nwaneri, another Hale End graduate, has stepped up in Bukayo Saka’s absence, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in 28 appearances. However, Nwaneri is more likely to be called up to the Under-21 squad for now.
Tuchel’s first match in charge of the England squad will take place against Albania on March 21, followed by a home clash with Latvia on March 24. With the squad announcement just days away, Lewis-Skelly remains hopeful of achieving a dream call-up to represent his country at the highest level.