Myles Lewis-Skelly could celebrate his 20th birthday with another major England opportunity when Thomas Tuchel’s side face Spain at Wembley on Saturday night.
The Arsenal youngster is among the players being considered for a midfield role after Declan Rice withdrew from international duty because of fitness concerns. Read Arsenal previously covered Harry Kane’s response after Rice explained his England withdrawal, with the midfielder using the break to manage an ongoing physical issue.
Lewis-Skelly has already demonstrated his ability to operate centrally for Mikel Arteta this season and could now benefit from England’s depleted midfield options.
Lewis-Skelly competing for England midfield role
The Standard reports that Lewis-Skelly is among the contenders to partner Elliot Anderson against Spain.
Rice and Kobbie Mainoo have both withdrawn from the squad, reducing Tuchel’s available central-midfield options.
Jude Bellingham could also operate deeper, meaning Lewis-Skelly is by no means guaranteed to start.
But his inclusion in the conversation represents another indication of how quickly his reputation has grown.
The Arsenal academy graduate has already played both as a left-back and central midfielder at senior level.
His versatility has also allowed Arsenal to keep him outside the club’s 22-man senior Premier League list because, as Read Arsenal explained in our guide to why Lewis-Skelly is not registered in Arsenal’s senior squad, he remains eligible to play through the Under-21 list.
Arsenal youngster turns 20
Saturday also marks Lewis-Skelly’s 20th birthday.
Arsenal’s official player profile lists his date of birth as 26 September 2006.
He has already enjoyed several landmark moments with England, including scoring on his senior international debut against Albania at Wembley.
Another appearance against Spain would provide a significantly tougher test.
Arsenal well represented at Wembley
Lewis-Skelly is not the only Arsenal player who could feature.
Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Ezri Konsa are also with England, while David Raya, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino are part of Spain’s squad.
That means as many as seven Arsenal players could be involved across the two teams.
Our Arsenal international break tracker will follow every Gunner involved, including confirmed line-ups, minutes, goals, assists and any fitness developments.
For Lewis-Skelly, though, there is an additional incentive.
A starting place against Spain would be quite a way to mark turning 20.
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