Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly was in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the October international break but misses out for the Three Lions' upcoming World Cup qualifiers
Myles Lewis-Skelly playing for Arsenal in the Champions League
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been left out of the latest England squad(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
England manager Thomas Tuchel suggested Myles Lewis-Skelly's lack of game time is a factor in his absence from the Three Lions squad for the November international break. Lewis-Skelly's form at Arsenal last season helped him earn his first senior international caps under Tuchel, but the teenager is one of a number of players left out of the latest selection.
The 19-year-old has struggled for minutes at club level this term, with Riccardo Calafiori putting last season's injury woes behind him and holding down a regular starting spot at left-back. He isn't the only player to miss out after an October call-up, and his absence could provide a chance for Manchester City starlet Nico O'Reilly to make his senior debut against Serbia or Albania.
"Myles, Ruben and Morgan got out-performed by Nico O'Reilly, Alex Scott, Nick Pope and Jude [Bellingham] in their positions. Myles simply needs more starts, more minutes. Now came a time when Nico O'Reilly had so many starts in that position, so he is slightly ahead for this camp."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated the club will help give Lewis-Skelly "perspective" after the defender was left out of England's squad for the November internationals. Arteta was asked about the youngster ahead of Arsenal's weekend trip to Sunderland and recognised the situation facing his player.
“Yes for sure, we are here to support and to help each other and give a good perspective of the situation," Arteta told reporters on Friday when asked if Lewis-Skelly might need an arm around him. “So don’t look at the one moment of what is happening for you because maybe today it is happening for the right reason.”
Thomas Tuchel speaking after England's latest squad announcement
Thomas Tuchel speaking after England's latest squad announcement
View 2 Images
Lewis-Skelly has played just 86 minutes in the Premier League this season but Arteta has granted him more game time in other competitions. He played the full 90 in both of Arsenal's Carabao Cup games, against Port Vale and Brighton, and started twice in the Champions League before coming off the bench in Tuesday's victory away to Slavia Prague.
“The standards are high and everyone wants to play. Because the levels are so much higher this season, places are short, but you’ve just got to compete," he said at the end of October.
"At the end of the day, I just want to express myself. Football’s what I love and I’ll never make excuses if I am playing or not. I just want to go out there and express myself. As long as I’m doing that, I’m giving the gaffer a choice to make.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image