'Fitted in well': National media praise Arsenal star who completed 92% passes on Int'l duty
England suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Spain in their Nations League opener at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.
The Three Lions made the worst possible start after Marc Guehi’s defensive error contributed to Lamine Yamal scoring after just two minutes.
England fought back before the break with quick-fire goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane.
They should have been 3-1 up early in the second half, but Kane squandered a penalty, which proved costly as La Roja secured a comeback win.
A Nico O’Reilly error contributed to Alex Baena’s equaliser before Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the winner for the World Cup champions in the 74th minute.
Despite the loss, head coach Thomas Tuchel was pleased with the performance and particularly praised Myles Lewis-Skelly, saying he was ‘very good‘.
The English media were likewise appreciative of the display from the Arsenal graduate, who made his first start in central midfield for the Three Lions.
The Telegraph handed him a 6/10 rating. The publication said Lewis-Skelly made a poor pass out of defence early on, but he improved after his mistake and drove forward from central midfield.
The outlet wrote: “Another player guilty of a poor pass out of defence that led to a chance. But after his mistake got more into the match and drove forward from central midfield on his seventh England cap. Half a penalty shout when brought down by Pau Cubarsí on one of those runs.”
Similarly, Standard Sport and BBC Sport also gave the youngster a 6/10 rating. The former said he slotted in well in midfield with his physical presence, while the latter praised a solid performance against one of the world’s best midfielders in Rodri.
“Fitted in well in midfield, a physical presence who also got a couple of shots off – Standard Sport.
“A first England start in centre midfield for Lewis-Skelly after shining for Arsenal. Given the tough task of trying to shut off the supply to Spain’s conductor, Rodri. A solid performance. Replaced after 70 minutes.” – BBC Sport.
The 20-year-old started the season brightly for Arsenal in the centre of the park. He was an unused substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break, but that hasn’t affected his selection under Tuchel.
Tuchel picked him alongside Elliot Anderson in the heart of England’s midfield. Lewis-Skelly made a poor pass early on, leading to a chance for Spain. He made amends and improved as the game progressed, delivering a solid display at Wembley.
Lewis-Skelly had a passing accuracy of 92 percent against Spain. He also won four duels alongside two clearances, two interceptions, two recoveries and one successful tackle.
England face Czechia on the road next on Tuesday night. It is most likely that Lewis-Skelly will start in midfield. He could play 70 minutes, as he did yesterday, before being replaced.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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