Tuchel’s First Dilemma: Myles Lewis-Skelly
When Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager in October, the global football community had barely heard of Myles Lewis-Skelly. The young left-back had made his Arsenal debut as a late substitute in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League, a game where he was involved in a post-match altercation with Erling Haaland, who famously asked, "Who the f*** are you?" This interaction mirrored the curiosity and interest that fans and pundits alike had about the 18-year-old.
A Rising Star with Flaws
Now, as Tuchel prepares to name his first England squad, Lewis-Skelly is presenting one of the most intriguing selection dilemmas for the German manager. During Arsenal’s recent 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven, Lewis-Skelly showcased both his promise and his potential pitfalls. He provided a beautiful assist for Ethan Nwaneri, his fellow England prospect, on the second goal. However, his aggressive style of play was evident when he narrowly avoided a third red card in less than six weeks with two clumsy tackles, earning him a yellow card before being substituted by Mikel Arteta after just 35 minutes.
A Position in Need
England has been in desperate need of a fully-fit left-back for years. With Luke Shaw almost permanently injured and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall ruled out for the season, the stage is set for a newcomer. Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly and Manchester United’s Tyler Reid are among the contenders, but Lewis-Skelly’s recent performances have put him in a strong position. His combination of skill and aggression could be exactly what the national team needs, provided he can control his temperament.
The Temperament Question
The main issue with Lewis-Skelly is his temperament. His first red card against Wolves was for a wild challenge, and his second, 17 minutes after coming on as a substitute in the loss to West Ham, saw him denied a goalscoring opportunity by keeper David Raya. In his return match in Eindhoven, he was fortunate to have a lenient referee. Arteta’s decision to substitute him was justified, given the risk of further disciplinary issues. Lewis-Skelly’s celebration mocking Haaland’s goal after the 5-1 defeat of City at the Emirates last month further highlighted his confident, if not brash, personality. Is this refreshing self-assurance or premature arrogance? Tuchel must weigh these factors carefully.
Tuchel’s Risk
Tuchel faces a significant risk in selecting an inexperienced player for World Cup qualifiers. While Lewis-Skelly’s belief and potential are undeniable, the pressure of international football is immense, and a single mistake could have far-reaching consequences. Tuchel’s contract runs until the next World Cup in 2026, and he is likely to focus on players who can contribute immediately. Given the current left-back crisis, Lewis-Skelly’s chances of a call-up are high, but Tuchel will need to be confident in his ability to manage the young player’s emotional and technical development.
Nwaneri and the Wider Picture
For Ethan Nwaneri, just 17 and already scoring eight goals in his breakthrough season, the path to the England squad is more crowded. Despite the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, England have a wealth of wide options, including Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, and Eberechi Eze. While Nwaneri is a promising talent, his route to the senior squad remains more challenging. For now, he is likely to be included in the Under-21 squad, where he can continue to develop and gain experience.
The Final Decision
For Myles Lewis-Skelly, the World Cup could be on the horizon. His potential and the current need for a reliable left-back make him a strong candidate for Tuchel’s first squad. However, Tuchel must balance his immediate needs with the risks associated with Lewis-Skelly’s temperament. If the young Arsenal star can demonstrate maturity and control in the coming weeks, he could well be the answer to England’s long-standing left-back problem.
