Good morning!
Let’s dive into the latest buzz around the rising stars, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. As the international break looms, there’s talk they might get the nod for England’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia under Thomas Tuchel’s first squad selection.
Yesterday, Mikel Arteta was quizzed about this potential call-up, especially regarding Lewis-Skelly. He shared:
“Knowing Thomas and his staff and the kind of environment they’ve fostered with the England team, it would be an amazing experience for them if it happens, whenever that may be. It’s not my call; we control his development here, but they’ll be in the hands of coaches with a wealth of experience, much more than I have!”
Mikel was careful not to reveal whether he thinks the timing is right for their national debut. It’s understandable if he’s a bit cautious. Nwaneri, in particular, has been dealing with some physical strains due to the spike in his playing time. Though not severe, he has experienced cramping from stepping into the intense pace of the first team, and maybe a break during the international pause would do him good.
If he gets the call, Nwaneri might find himself pushing hard in training, eager to make an impression on both the international coach and the seasoned Premier League players. This isn’t necessarily a negative thing, but it does raise a few concerns. There’s so much talk about managing young players’ workloads effectively, and Nwaneri is right at the heart of that discussion.
England’s left-back injuries make Lewis-Skelly’s inclusion likely, but his form needs careful handling. Lately, he’s been under the spotlight for dancing around red card territory in a few instances. He’s not more impulsive than peers his age, but once the spotlight’s on, every misstep seems amplified. A lot of this is the result of a dodgy call from Michael Oliver and VAR, compounded by some dubious media backing until it was overturned.
Arteta had a quiet word with Lewis-Skelly after he got lucky avoiding a second yellow on Tuesday night. Arteta said:
“I did speak to him today. Once the dust settled, as you say in English. We discussed what could be learned from that and how it impacts the team. It’s about keeping his fierce spirit while understanding the balance. He’s a fantastic player with a lot of heart and presence on the pitch, and it’s crucial we keep that. It’s about knowing when to take risks for big rewards, and when to play it safe.”
For some, wearing the England jersey is like a free pass on the pitch, allowing them to get away with a little more. But that isn’t a universal rule. For most, it means the scrutiny intensifies. The big question is whether the spotlight will highlight their strengths or their weaknesses.
As for Lewis-Skelly, I’m confident he’s surrounded by supportive and savvy people. His family and those managing his career are well aware of the dynamics at club, international level, and beyond, so I’m not too worried about his ability to navigate this. If he stays on his current path, international football is surely his future, and it has to begin sometime. This could be that moment.
From an Arsenal perspective, there’s a bit of hesitation about them heading off with England, but it’s undeniably a significant opportunity. Their talent and performance have earned them this chance, physical concerns aside. It’s potentially a vital step in their growth. The Hale End Academy has once again produced some outstanding talents, and if you’re Thomas Tuchel, bringing them into the fold is a no-brainer. I just hope there’s good communication with Arteta and Arsenal to ensure their development is managed properly.
That’s all for this morning. If you’re hunting for something to listen to, we’ve got a Man Utd preview podcast on Patreon now, with more about that game in tomorrow’s blog.
Catch you later!
