Mikel Arteta expressed his pride in Myles Lewis-Skelly’s first senior **England**call-up while emphasizing the importance of allowing each young player to have their own journey, discouraging comparisons to fellow Arsenal academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri.
At just 18 years old, Lewis-Skelly has represented England at under-16, 17, 18, and 19 levels, and now, under the guidance of manager Thomas Tuchel, he has been given the opportunity to join the senior squad. His strong performances with the England Under-19s, where he captained the team in three of his five appearances, have played a significant role in this call-up.
Since breaking into the Arsenal first team this season, Lewis-Skelly has showcased his versatility and potential. The midfielder, who has made 25 appearances under Arteta this season, starting 15 of those games, has impressed with his adaptability, taking on a new role at left-back. Arteta spoke about his happiness for the young player, recognizing the magnitude of this moment for both him and the club.
“It’s a huge moment for him and the club as well,” Arteta said. “Getting the call for England is massive. We were all really happy because it’s a really nice story that gives hope to a lot of young players. In six-seven months, a career can change dramatically for the good, so it’s something for people to be inspired by. It hasn’t happened because he was lucky; he’s worked hard for every chance to happen.”
Although Arteta wasn’t involved in the discussions surrounding Lewis-Skelly’s call-up, he expressed his complete trust in Tuchel and his staff in handling the development of the young player.
Tuchel, in his first press conference after the squad announcement, addressed the current injury crisis, particularly the loss of Lewis Hall, which led to the call-up of Lewis-Skelly. Tuchel praised the youngster for his consistent performances at Arsenal, stating that his rapid rise and continued presence in the first team were key to the decision. He also acknowledged that the speed of Lewis-Skelly’s career progression could be seen as fast-paced, but emphasized that they felt it was the right time to bring him into the senior squad due to his maturity and quality on the pitch.
“We were always impressed with Myles. He became a regular for Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta continues to pick him regularly. This is impressive from the very start,” Tuchel said. “But with the injuries, we felt it was the right moment to take him now.”
Arsenal’s Nwaneri, 17, has also enjoyed a breakout season and could have been in line for a senior call-up as well. However, the attacking midfielder will instead join England’s Under-21s for this international break. Despite this, Nwaneri has had a remarkable season, contributing eight goals and an assist. Like Lewis-Skelly, his highest international level prior to this was with the under-19s.
Arteta dismissed any suggestions of comparing the two young players, stressing that their journeys would be distinct. “They had a very similar pathway because they played together for many years, but after that, they’re going to have different moments. Each career will be unique for them. They’re going to have to earn it, and what one does is not going to affect the other,” Arteta explained. “That needs to be totally independent.”
The Arsenal manager added that while it’s beneficial to have teammates like Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri who share a strong bond, it’s crucial that their individual journeys are not compared to each other. Instead, they should support each other as they progress through their careers.
On a personal level, Arteta related to the protective and parental approach that Tuchel mentioned in his comments about the players’ development. “I can see a lot of similarities,” Arteta said, noting that both players are around the age of his eldest son. “They are in great hands, with strong families and environments that support their development. As a club, we have a big responsibility, and we’re here to support them.”
Looking ahead, Lewis-Skelly could make his debut for England in the upcoming matches against Albania on March 21 or Latvia on March 24. Meanwhile, Nwaneri will be joining the Under-21s for their matches on March 21, his 18th birthday, against France or on March 24 against Portugal.
In summary, both players have bright futures ahead of them, and Arteta’s message was clear: while their paths may overlap, they are both on unique journeys that deserve to be celebrated for what they achieve individually. As they continue to grow and develop, their contributions to both Arsenal and England will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of players.