Tuchel explains why he started Myles Lewis-Skelly for England and appraises performance

Myles Lewis-Skelly has received praise for his performance for England against Spain last week, with Thomas Tuchel suggesting he's in his best position now.

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Myles Lewis-Skelly made his first appearance for England in almost a year on Saturday, returning to Thomas Tuchel's squad for a start in midfield against Spain.

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Speaking after the game, Tuchel suggested Lewis-Skelly's performances for Arsenal had earned him a spot back in the lineup, adding that he believes the 20-year-old's new midfield role suits him better than left-back.

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"[Lewis-Skelly's improving form is] why he made an impression in club football and now through the week, that's why he got his start," Tuchel said.

"He did very well for Arsenal on this position. I think it suits him a bit better than left-back.

"He was just very good and had a good match today. Did everything what was needed. Good performance."

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Tuchel wasn't the only one to enjoy Lewis-Skelly's performance and recent form, with Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker both praising the young Arsenal star following the Spain game.

"I know he played in mid­field last sea­son, but his rise this sea­son to go into Arsenal and into Eng­land's mid­field has been remark­able," Shearer said.

Lineker added: "He's done really well in that mid­field role, filling the boots of Declan Rice. Big respons­ib­il­ity against Spain, espe­cially when you've got one of the mid­field­ers, Jude Belling­ham, who is primar­ily in for­ward pos­i­tions. I thought he and Elliot Ander­son were excep­tional."

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Lewis-Skelly has been a midfielder since his youth days, but Arsenal primarily needed a left-back when he was breaking through, and he was willing to adapt.

With the Gunners' need on the left now not quite so dire, the England international has been able to return to his best position, making five starts in the middle in five wins for Arsenal in 2026/27.

Back on England, Tuchel's side now face the Czech Republic away from home on Tuesday night. If Lewis-Skelly is given another starting opportunity, he'll be looking to make another positive impression.

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