**Arsenal**legend Nigel Winterburn believes that Myles Lewis-Skelly can have a ‘big England career’ ahead of him, amid reports of a potential call-up for **Thomas Tuchel**’s first matches in charge against Albania and Latvia.
England’s options are restricted at left-back. **Newcastle United**’s **Lewis Hall**has been ruled out for the season, while Luke Shaw is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in early December.
This could pave the way for the surprise inclusions of Levi Colwill and Tyrick Mitchell with the squad to be announced on March 14.
“It’s a big call as maybe the U21s is the right move for him. But in the future Myles Lewis-Skelly can have a big England career and I look forward to a debut very soon,” the ex-Arsenal defender told VAVEL via William Hill.
“He has to keep his feet on the ground, work hard, listen to Mikel [Arteta] and the other coaches and he can be another good English full-back to come through Arsenal’s ranks.”
Lewis-Skelly made his debut for the Gunners in their fiery 2-2 draw with Manchester City back in September, and has since gone on to make 22 appearances for the club.
Alongside Ethan Nwaneri, the pair have stepped up when their team have needed them, filling in for the absences that Arsenal have faced.
“They have no fear. At that age, it’s important to play with freedom and do everything you have learnt in your journey through the academy.
“They have started their first team journey really well, but must continue to believe in their ability and work hard.
“With the striker injury situation and a couple of tough results, they have continued to be fearless in their game and perform well.”
The teenager initially did a tremendous job in deputising for Riccardo Calafiori, sidelined with recurrent knee problems, but has now staked his claim to start even when the Italian is fit.
“Myles has done really well this season and you can see how well he has done by making the left-back spot his own with his strong performances. He has kept new signing Calafiori out of the team at times, so this shows how much Mikel trusts him to do a good job for the team.
*“But, he can’t rest on his laurels, he must continue to work hard every day in training, listen to senior pros and show consistency with every performance. But overall, what a bright future he has and I am very pleased for Myles Lewis-Skelly.”*
Winterburn, who played 580 games in all competitions for Arsenal, pointed out that Lewis-Skelly’s natural understanding of the game has aided his transition into a new inverted full-back role.
“Well, he played centre midfield in the academy and is an excellent ball carrier. He understands the game well so can adapt to playing full-back, which is where he has played in the first team.
“Attributes-wise, he uses his body really well, he has good pace, has an eye for a good forward pass, can defend well (as shown vs Leicester when stopping a goal in the second half).
Winterburn added: “Myles also works well as an inverted fullback and can receive the ball well too.”
However, Lewis-Skelly still has things to learn as a full-back. The 18-year-old has seen red twice this season, albeit one was rescinded, and was very fortunate to not be dismissed in Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven.
He received a yellow card for taking out **Luuk de Jong**in a promising position and then caught Richard Ledezma with a late challenge, but was spared by referee Jesús Gil Manzano.
The Hale End graduate will understand how to play on a yellow card with more experience, according to Winterburn, who was only sent off once in his thirteen-year tenure in North London.
“It comes with experience and Myles will have to listen to Mikel and the other coaches when it comes to tackling and also once he has a yellow card, how to go about your game for the remainder of it, to ensure you don’t get sent off.
“The other players have a responsibility to help Myles through this as well, but for him, it’s a case of being responsible on the pitch.”
Lewis-Skelly served his one-match suspension after his dismissal against West Ham, meaning he is eligible to play against Manchester United on the weekend.
With the Premier League title rapidly falling into Liverpool’s hands, the Gunners will have to be inch-perfect and rely on other results to help their case.
*Nigel Winterburn was speaking to VAVEL UK on behalf of William Hill. Please gamble responsibly. GamCare offer a free and confidential service for those who may require further support.*