Myles Lewis-Skelly was notably absent from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for the upcoming international fixtures against Serbia and Albania. The 19-year-old, who participated in the matches last month, was excluded as Tuchel opted for players who are experiencing regular game time at their clubs. Instead, Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly and Tottenham’s Djed Spence received calls to join the squad, with the England manager underscoring that selection was based on competition and performance. Lewis-Skelly’s omission comes during a season where he has struggled to secure a first-team position. Despite delivering an impressive performance in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid last month, he has only logged 92 minutes of Premier League action this season, primarily competing in cup tournaments. With Riccardo Calafiori reclaiming the left-back position following his injury recovery, Lewis-Skelly has found himself lower in the hierarchy at the Emirates Stadium. Tuchel had previously cautioned that a lack of playing time could jeopardize Lewis-Skelly’s prospects with the national team, and his latest squad selection reflects this stance. To reclaim his spot in the England setup ahead of next year’s World Cup, Lewis-Skelly will need to secure a starting position at the club level. Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League match against Sunderland, manager Mikel Arteta expressed understanding for Lewis-Skelly’s situation, encouraging him to view his exclusion as part of a broader developmental journey. “Yes, for sure, we are here to support and help each other, providing a constructive perspective on the situation,” Arteta stated when asked if the young player needed reassurance. Arteta continued to commend the maturity and accomplishments of the 19-year-old, despite the current setback. “When you consider his age and what he has already achieved, it is remarkable. Do not dwell on this one moment that seems unfavorable; it may be unfolding for the right reasons, which might not be evident now.” Tuchel’s decision to exclude Lewis-Skelly was influenced not only by form but by the intensity of competition within the England squad. The England manager clarified that Lewis-Skelly, alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Morgan Gibbs-White, had been outperformed by other players who are consistently starting for their clubs. “Myles simply requires more starts and minutes,” Tuchel noted, highlighting how Nico O’Reilly’s consistent performances at Manchester City have elevated him in the selection hierarchy. For Lewis-Skelly, the underlying message is clear: on-field minutes are as crucial as talent. With a total of 470 minutes played across all competitions this season, he trails behind rivals Spence and O’Reilly, who have been more involved with their respective teams. Nevertheless, Arsenal maintains strong confidence in the teenager’s long-term potential, with Lewis-Skelly recognized as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from the Hale End academy in recent years. Lewis-Skelly’s immediate goal is to secure a more prominent role within Arteta’s matchday strategy. Given Arsenal’s demanding schedule across domestic and European competitions, opportunities are likely to present themselves, especially if Arteta continues to rotate his squad. A compelling performance in the upcoming matches could bolster his case for increased playing time at Arsenal and a potential recall to the England squad in March. As for Tuchel, he has kept the door open for future selections. The England manager has consistently indicated that his choices are adaptable and based on current form and fitness, rather than past accolades. With the 2026 World Cup looming less than a year away, the challenge for Lewis-Skelly is distinctly outlined.
