Thomas Tuchel is set to announce his first England squad next week as he prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. The German manager has reportedly drafted a 55-man shortlist, and Arsenal youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are strong contenders for a call-up. Their performances this season have put them on the radar, and former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn is confident they will impress if given the opportunity.
Nwaneri has been in fine form, scoring eight goals across all competitions since making his Premier League debut against Brentford on New Year’s Day. His development has been rapid, and his attacking contributions have made him one of Arsenal’s most promising young talents. Tuchel’s willingness to integrate young players could see the midfielder included in the squad.
Meanwhile, Lewis-Skelly has transitioned from a promising prospect to a regular starter at left-back for Mikel Arteta’s side. With injuries and inconsistency affecting key players in the England setup, the Arsenal duo could receive their first senior international call-ups. Their adaptability and talent make them valuable options for Tuchel as he evaluates his squad.
Winterburn firmly believes that if Tuchel includes them, they will make a strong impression. He pointed out that England managers such as Gareth Southgate and Lee Carsley have previously introduced young players early to assess their reactions within the senior setup. He expects both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly to handle the challenge well.
Arteta also expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of his academy stars being selected. While he acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with the England coaching staff, he is confident that the national team environment will provide valuable experience for them. He emphasized that Arsenal will manage their development carefully while trusting England’s experienced staff to guide them.
Arsenal will also be aiming to make history by securing a fifth consecutive victory over United in the Premier League. Winterburn believes his former club has what it takes to achieve this milestone, especially if they maintain their aggressive approach from their midweek performance.
Sunday’s clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford could serve as the final opportunity for Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly to prove themselves ahead of Tuchel’s squad announcement. A strong performance in such a high-profile match could solidify their chances of inclusion in the national team.
While United have secured strong results against big teams under Ruben Amorim, Winterburn expects Arsenal to come out on top. He believes their confidence and attacking intent will be key factors in securing an important victory at Old Trafford.