Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has been left out of England’s matchday squad for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade.
The 18-year-old started in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park, playing the full 90 minutes in what was his third start of the qualifying campaign. However, he will not feature this evening after manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed his 23-man squad.
UEFA rules allow only 23 players to be named on a matchday, and with England having travelled with 24, a rotation was inevitable. Jarrell Quansah sat out the Andorra game but is back in contention, leaving Lewis-Skelly as the one to make way.
The decision is not believed to be injury-related. Lewis-Skelly trained with the squad on Monday before flying to Belgrade and is expected to be available again after the international break. England boss Tuchel insisted his selection call was purely tactical.
“They (Serbia) are a very sporty country; they have world-class sportsmen,” Tuchel said. “We will face quality and emotions. I think the opponent and the occasion will bring out the very best in us tomorrow night.”
Marc Guehi, who went off against Andorra with a groin concern, has been passed fit and is included. That left-back cover could instead come from Tottenham defender Djed Spence, who is pushing for his debut, or Newcastle’s Tino Livramento.
England enter the contest top of their qualifying group after three straight wins without conceding a goal. Serbia, widely regarded as their toughest opponents, will test that record in front of a home crowd expected to create an intense atmosphere.
For Arsenal, Lewis-Skelly’s omission provides a silver lining. With the teenager sitting out tonight, he will get a rest before the Gunners resume Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime at home to Nottingham Forest.
The academy graduate has been pushing for further first-team minutes under Mikel Arteta this season, and his workload is being carefully managed.
Elsewhere, fellow Arsenal full back Ben White is also hoping to return against Forest. He started the opening-day win at Manchester United but missed the last two league matches through injury.
Tuchel’s England will be targeting a fourth consecutive victory, while Arsenal fans will quietly welcome the fact that one of their brightest prospects avoids extra minutes in what promises to be a demanding encounter in Belgrade.