Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a goalscoring debut against Albania in Thomas Tuchel's first match in charge of England and drew the praise of his team-mates following an impressive outing
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Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly
Declan Rice was full of praise for Myles Lewis-Skelly(Image: ITV)
Declan Rice has heaped praise on his Arsenal team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly after his goalscoring bow for England. The 18-year-old full-back became the youngest ever Three Lions player to score on debut in the 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley.
Lewis-Skelly showed plenty of composure to finish off a fine pass from Jude Bellingham before Harry Kane's second-half strike helped secure victory in Thomas Tuchel's first match in charge of England. The German head coach oversaw his first three points of the World Cup qualifying campaign and will be pleased that his decision to start the Gunners youngster paid off.
The teenager has just one goal in 26 appearances since breaking into the Arsenal team, but his performance at Wembley did not surprise Rice in the slightest. In fact, the England midfielder expects his young peer to continue his rapid rise in his career
"He [Myles Lewis-Skelly] is fearless," Rice said following England's win. "He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18.
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"I try to look after him as best I can but I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has. He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him."
New England boss Tuchel was effusive in his praise too. The German coach appears to have found an early solution to a left-back position that proved problematic for Gareth Southgate, and Tuchel has been impressed with player's personality as much as his performance. "Amazing player," he said." Amazing personality. He came into camp and showed straight away that it's normal to fall in love with him. It is well deserved."
Myles Lewis-Skelly celebrates scoring for England
Myles Lewis-Skelly celebrates scoring for England(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA)
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was simply pleased that his young team-mate had enjoyed the occasion. The Birmingham City academy product revealed he'd hoped to simply ensure the squad helped Lewis-Skelly settle into the environment.
"When you come into the team there are a lot of lads here to help you out," he said. "We wanted to do what we could to help him enjoy it and I think he did."
Following the match, Lewis-Skelly could only offer his thanks to both his manager and the fans present at Wembley. The youngster was left speechless. "I'm lost for words," he said. I am so grateful for the manager [Thomas Tuchel] to put trust in me. I am so happy. The fans made me feel at home so thank you to them."
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