View 3 Images
THOMAS TUCHEL has submitted his 55 man long list for the World Cup - and Myles Lewis-Skelly MUST to be on it.
What a story of redemption, comeback and, ultimately, maybe the decisive player in the whole title race.
Lewis-Skelly, 19, looked out of the picture, Arsenal’s forgotten man had fallen off the England radar despite his breakthrough season.
England boss Tuchel gave Lewis-Skelly his England debut at left-back, stuck with him initially after he lost his Arsenal place and even cited a duty of care for young players as the reason.
If that is the case, then Tuchel should also reward and upsurge - particularly when Lewis-Skelly can bring something extra to the table.
Yes, Lewis-Skelly has been with the Under-21s, but the World Cup will be every player's dream and the teenager has shown in Arsenal's recent games that he can be a driving force in midfield as well as left-back.
This is the player entrusted in midfield for a Champions League semi final against Atletico Madrid and he started there against West Ham and switched to left-back during the game.
He is up against Nico O'Reilly - who is surely still in pole position to start the World Cup - and Lewis Hall, but it may be now that Lewis-Skelly can gatecrash because of his versatilely and this wonderful momentum.
To be clear, you almost have to do well to NOT be in Tuchel’s list of 55. That had to be submitted to FIFA on Monday night by 23.59 Central European Time.
FIFA then allow nations to trim down to 26 by June 1 and the squad lists are made official on June 2. Now, Tuchel names his 26 next week so we will know before then but there may be some standbys or an injury doubt. Perhaps even a knock on the final Premier League weekend.
So that is where the wriggle room comes in. The 55 squad has become a 'bit of a thing' after it was mentioned in conversation by Gareth Southgate a few times. It's not new. It's a procedural thing.
National associations can name them if they choose. Brazil did on Monday and included Neymar. But the English FA take the other view of not naming them.
There's a case for Ivan Toney because England will probably take three strikers. Danny Welbeck is believed to be in. As is Luke Shaw. Ben White looks likely to miss out through injury. As does Tino Livramento. Is there a way back for Trent Alexander-Arnold?
Again, Tuchel is likely to pick all and sundry into the 55. It's not public. There have been no leaks. Instead, journalists, players and clubs do hear whispers. Leaks is a term used by people who don’t hear the whispers. The waiting game is on.
Daily Mirror Icon
Daily Mirror Icon
World Cup Nations profiles
No more Neymar - can Brazil win ugly?
No more Neymar - can Brazil win ugly?
The 'nasty' holders Argentina profiled
The 'nasty' holders Argentina profiled
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo problem
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo problem
Luis Diaz and Colombia's 'maverick' DNA
Luis Diaz and Colombia's 'maverick' DNA
Here, Cross gives his latest verdict on the players he saw live this week - Arsenal's 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday - and the squad overall.
There’s the chance to have your say in the article - so get involved.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
England Player Ratings this week
Jarrod Bowen
West Ham's Jarrod Bowen might not be able to prevent his side being relegated from the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Jarrod Bowen
He was tireless in his efforts. Ran his heart out. This is a player who you would want as your captain. What an example. Deserved more.
In West Ham’s run, he’s been the man. Has raised his level, taken on responsibility - and shone. He’s outstanding.
Has to be in the squad. Has to go. He has shown in the past three months, that he should be on the plane.
Ben White
Did not last the first half before going off injured. What an unlucky break and one that will end his - albeit remote - chances of going to the World Cup.
Has been a warrior for Arsenal. No longer first choice. But gives everything. A bit of a cult figure. He may be on the move this summer but will depart on the back of a good run.
Injury and competition - I’m being generous with a 4. But that’s the reality. What a shame. Deserves more.
Declan Rice
The driving force in midfield and was then - rather inexplicably - switched to full-back. What on earth was Mikel Arteta thinking? Arsenal lost momentum but it showed just how important and good he is.
He got my vote in the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year. He’s been untouchable.
Stitched on - as long as he is fit because he has played so many games!
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Myles Lewis-Skelly playing for Arsenal(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Gets a good mark bit only because he played well but also did well in two different roles: full back and also in midfield.
What a comeback. He’s been sensational. Absolutely amazing. Restored against Fulham and was man of the match, then played a Champions League semi-final and was superb. This is some redemption.
This is some comeback. He is only a 6 - but should be more - because he has been out of the picture for so long. He should be going. But it is Tuchel’s call.
Bukayo Saka
He was poor. After Mikel Arteta praised his "aura" and "fear factor", he barely showed up in a huge game. That was one of Arsenal's biggest disappointments. Saka is fabulous - but this was a dip.
He has been excellent - barring West Ham - since coming back. He has looked lively, sharp and dangerous. He looks good - just in time for the World Cup. Sunday apart!
No doubt it. His quality gets him on the plane.
Eberechi Eze
Poor. Arsenal were way better when Martin Odegaard came on to drive the team forward. Very subdued and quiet. Too laid back.
Excellent overall. He has given Thomas Tuchel food for thought as a player who can go as he can cover No.10 role and also from the left.
It's still uncertain - but has done enough to jump ahead of the likes of Phil Foden and possibly Cole Palmer who does not look fit.
Noni Madueke
Came on with 10 minutes left in the game so hard to judge or read much into it. One bit of quality in the build-up to the goal.
Has not been good enough. Did brilliantly earlier in the season but has dipped lately and is back to being Bukayo Saka’s clear understudy.