'Just very good': Manager blown away by Arsenal star after midfield display on Int'l duty
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has praised Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly after handing him a start in Saturday’s 3-2 Nations League defeat to Spain at Wembley.
Lewis-Skelly returned to the senior England squad for the extended September and October international window after missing out on Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup during the summer.
The Arsenal midfielder was given an opportunity against the newly-crowned world champions on his 20th birthday and impressed Tuchel with his performance.
Speaking after the game, Tuchel insisted Lewis-Skelly had earned his opportunity through his performances rather than being handed a start because of the occasion.
“That’s why he made an impression in club football and now through the week,” Tuchel said. “That’s why he got his start. No presents here for no one, also not on his birthday.”
Lewis-Skelly has previously spent much of his senior career operating at left-back, but his long-term position has increasingly shifted towards his natural midfield role at Arsenal.
Tuchel believes playing centrally may also allow the Hale End graduate to demonstrate his qualities more effectively.
“He did very well for Arsenal in this position,” the England boss added. “I think it suits him a bit better than left-back.
“He was just very good and had a good match today, so well done. Did everything that was needed. Good performance.”
Tuchel’s assessment continues an encouraging period for Lewis-Skelly after he fought his way back into the England picture following his World Cup disappointment.
The German had already praised the youngster when announcing his latest squad, pointing towards Lewis-Skelly’s performances during Arsenal’s successful end to last season.
Lewis-Skelly notably started in midfield as Arsenal reached the Champions League final and has subsequently been competing for opportunities in a strong squad under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
His versatility remains another valuable asset, with the academy graduate capable of playing as a conventional midfielder or dropping into the defensive line when required.
England were unable to mark his return with victory as Spain secured a 3-2 win in the opening game of the Three Lions’ 2026/27 Nations League campaign.
However, Lewis-Skelly’s individual display appears to have strengthened his position in Tuchel’s plans ahead of England’s remaining matches during the international window.
The Three Lions travel to Prague to face Czechia on Tuesday before meeting Croatia and Czechia again next month.
For Lewis-Skelly, Tuchel’s comments suggest his emergence as a genuine midfield option for Arsenal could now also shape his role at international level.
The post 'Just very good': Manager blown away by Arsenal star after midfield display on Int'l duty first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.