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England manager Thomas Tuchel has made a bold selection in his first squad by calling up Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Tuchel, who is set to officially announce his squad on Friday morning, has been evaluating a 55-man longlist since taking over on January 1. The German tactician has held discussions with several players as he shapes his vision for England ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which kicks off with home fixtures this month.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, has been a revelation for Arsenal this season, primarily excelling at left-back. His rapid rise has now earned him a senior England call-up despite having never played for the U21s. With Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall injured and Ben Chilwell lacking match fitness, Tuchel has turned to the highly rated teenager to provide depth on the left flank.
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The Arsenal starlet, who has previously represented England at U19 level, has bypassed the U20 Elite League and U21 squads entirely, making a direct jump to the senior team. He has made 25 first-team appearances for Arsenal this season, scoring his first senior goal in February’s 5-1 victory over Manchester City.
🚨BREAKING: Myles Lewis-Skelly has been called up to the England senior squad for the first time by Thomas Tuchel at 18-years-old. pic.twitter.com/rymFk8Mdio
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) March 14, 2025
Meanwhile, Tuchel faces key decisions on the right side of defence, with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out due to a knee injury. Kyle Walker remains an option, but there is speculation over whether Arsenal’s Ben White will end his international exile.
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White left the 2022 World Cup early following reported tensions with former England manager Gareth Southgate and assistant Steve Holland. While Tuchel has spoken with White and kept the door open for his return, the defender has just recovered from injury and has been left out of the squad.
England will begin their qualification campaign at Wembley against Albania before hosting Latvia as Tuchel embarks on his tenure as Three Lions boss.
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