Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his pride in teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly after the 18-year-old was named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad on Friday.
Lewis-Skelly, who only made his Premier League debut for Arsenal earlier this season, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the football world. The left-back, who joined the club’s academy at the age of nine, has quickly become an important figure in Arteta’s squad. His call-up to the England team marks a major milestone in his young career.
“Very proud of him,” said Arteta, whose side is set to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday. “It’s a huge moment for him and for the club as well. One of our graduates getting the call for England is a massive thing.”
The Arsenal boss also praised Tuchel, stating, “Thomas is a top coach, I know a few people around him and I have no doubt that they will do the right thing with Myles.”
Lewis-Skelly, originally a midfielder, caught Tuchel’s attention with a brilliant solo goal in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Manchester City in January. Since then, he has mostly played as a left-back, solidifying his place in the first team. He is one of four uncapped players in Tuchel’s squad, which will face Albania and Latvia in March.
Arteta highlighted Lewis-Skelly’s journey as a source of inspiration for young players, saying, “In six, seven months, your career can change dramatically for the good.”
In addition, Arteta gave an update on Ben White, who has been out of action since November after knee surgery. The defender has made himself available for selection to England after more than two years away from the squad.
