Arsenal supporters rejoiced in unison on Friday night as Myles Lewis-Skelly celebrated his England debut by scoring the opening goal against Albania.
Lewis-Skelly's rise over the past few months having broken into Mikel Arteta's first team towards the end of 2024 resulted in his first call-up to the Three Lions squad in March, and new manager Thomas Tuchel opted to start the 18-year-old in their first 2026 World Cup qualifier against Albania, who are led by former Gunner Sylvinho.
Speaking ahead of the game, Tuchel spoke glowing of the Arsenal starlet, saying: "I can absolutely understand why everybody loves the boy. He's a big character, a big personality, and a very, very talented player. He's ready to go."
The teenager's start to the contest was assured, manifesting a cool presence in possession and his ability to ride challenges with aplomb. Then, 20 minutes in, the moment Lewis-Skelly's been dreaming of arrived.
Myles Lewis-Skelly scores the first England goal of the Thomas Tuchel era
THE FIRST GOAL UNDER THOMAS TUCHEL...
AND IT'S MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY ON HIS DEBUT!!! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/eLIEQfHqtJ
— England (@England) March 21, 2025
The country cast a watchful gaze over Tuchel's managerial bow, keen to enjoy the freshness of a new dawn. A notable theme early on in Friday's qualifier was England's willingness to run in behind a deep-lying Albania defence, and Lewis-Skelly, on his first foray forward, was the beneficiary of a pinpoint Jude Bellingham pass after darting behind Ivan Balliu.
In front of goal, the teenager required just one touch. His finish through the legs of an onrushing Thomas Strakosha was tidy.
The strike means Lewis-Skelly has become the youngest ever player to score on their England debut, and he'll be etched into Three Lions folklore for becoming the first goalscorer of Tuchel's reign. No matter how his international career pans out, he'll be a pub quiz answer for eternity.
More to follow...
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