Nordoff & Robbins Legends Of Football Dinner - Arrivals - Source: Getty
Nordoff & Robbins Legends Of Football Dinner - Arrivals - Source: Getty
England icon Gary Lineker has tipped his hat towards Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly after the Three Lions' defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League. Thomas Tuchel's men succumbed to a 3-2 loss at Wembley as the world champions came from behind to secure the win.
Spain took the lead as early as the second minute, thanks to Lamine Yamal. Quickfire goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane put England in the lead at half-time. Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal found the back of the net in the second half to seal the win for the visitors.
England had several players making themselves unavailable for selection ahead of the game against Spain. The likes of Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, Tino Livramento and Marcus Rashford pulled out of Tuchel's initial squad for the Nations League games.
In the absence of Arsenal star Rice, Lewis-Skelly started alongside Elliot Anderson and impressed Lineker with his display. The footballer-turned-pundit hailed Lewis-Skelly's performance as 'remarkable'.
Lineker pointed to how big a responsibility it was to fill Rice's shoes in midfield, especially since Lewis-Skelly played alongside Jude Bellingham, who prefers to be in advanced positions throughout the game.
Speaking on 'The Rest is Football' podcast, Lineker commented:
"It has [been remarkable].
"It’s funny because you’ve got Nico O’Reilly who is really a midfield player turned left-back and you’ve got Lewis-Skelly who is a full-back and seems to have turned into a midfield player.
"Obviously when they grow up nowadays they kind of play everywhere, all these positions, so it’s really good for them. But they’re two exceptional footballers.
"I think he’s done really well in that midfield role filling the boots of Declan Rice.
"Big responsibility against Spain, especially when you’ve got one of the midfielders, Jude Bellingham, who is primarily in forward positions. I thought both Lewis-Skelly and Elliot Anderson in there were exceptional."
England next face Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday.
Myles Lewis-Skelly remains integral to Arsenal hopes of retaining Premier League title
Even after the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly has managed to make himself indispensable at Arsenal. The 19-year-old has played in all but one Premier League game this season, with Arsenal losing the only game he didn't play (against Brighton).
There were reports linking him with a move away from the Emirates earlier this summer. However, Lewis-Skelly has reiterated his importance to Arsenal with his performances since then.
Mikel Arteta will not even think of letting the player go now. Lewis-Skelly also has a contract with the club that runs until 2030. The England international will be hoping he can lift back-to-back league titles with the team at the end of the ongoing season.