Rising Talent Takes England by Storm
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old defensive sensation, is on the verge of a stunning England debut. Despite having made just eight Premier League starts, the young left-back has caught the eye of new England boss Thomas Tuchel, who is preparing for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia next month. Lewis-Skelly’s rapid rise has been nothing short of remarkable, and his performances for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side have been impressive enough to warrant serious consideration from the national team.
A Positional Conundrum
England’s left-back position has been beset by injuries and inconsistency, making Lewis-Skelly’s emergence particularly timely. Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell, two of the most experienced options, have struggled with fitness issues, leaving the door open for younger talents. While other players like Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker, and Levi Colwill have also filled in, Tuchel is keen to field players in their natural positions. Lewis-Skelly, who has already shown great comfort and skill in the left-back role, stands out as a compelling choice.
A Meteoric Rise
Despite his tender age, Lewis-Skelly’s rise through the ranks has been meteoric. He made his under-19s debut for Arsenal in Croatia just last September and has yet to feature for the under-21s. His talent has not gone unnoticed by his teammates, with Declan Rice describing him as "a kid built in a lab." Rice’s praise highlights Lewis-Skelly’s exceptional abilities, noting his comfort, strength, and level-headedness. In Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win at Leicester, Lewis-Skelly’s goal-saving intervention at 0-0 underscored his critical role in the team’s defensive solidity.
Tuchel’s First Moves
Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England’s new manager brings a fresh perspective to the national team. Known for his tactical acumen and versatility in formations, Tuchel is expected to shake things up. One of his first tasks will be to integrate promising young talents like Lewis-Skelly into the squad. Tuchel’s preference for players in their natural positions aligns well with Lewis-Skelly’s strengths, making him a strong candidate for a call-up. Additionally, other players like Ipswich’s Liam Delap, who has been in scintillating form as a striker, could also receive their first international nods.
Reviving Forgotten Stars
Tuchel’s arrival could also breathe new life into the careers of some previously capped players. The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss is known to favor a 3-4-3 formation, which could provide an opportunity for players like Mason Mount, who has not been involved with England since the 2022 World Cup. Mount’s relationship with Tuchel at Chelsea was highly successful, and the Manchester United star could see a resurgence in the national team. Similarly, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier, both of whom have previously represented England, could benefit from Tuchel’s tactical approach. Loftus-Cheek has excelled at AC Milan, and Dier, who played under Tuchel at Bayern last season, could find a new role in a back-three.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup Qualifiers
England face a challenging but exciting period ahead as they prepare for their World Cup qualifiers against Albania on March 21 and Latvia three days later. Tuchel’s fresh approach and the integration of new talents like Lewis-Skelly and Delap could inject much-needed energy and creativity into the squad. The combination of experienced players and emerging stars could provide the perfect blend to secure qualification and set the stage for a strong showing in the World Cup. As England’s fans and supporters look forward to these fixtures, the buzz surrounding Tuchel’s first matches is palpable, and the future of English football looks bright with such promising young talents on the horizon.
