Thomas Tuchel has given his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly's position after starting the Arsenal youngster in midfield against Spain.
Thomas Tuchel believes midfield suits Myles Lewis-Skelly better than left-back after starting the Arsenal youngster centrally for England against Spain.
Lewis-Skelly lined up alongside Elliot Anderson at Wembley on his 20th birthday as England opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 defeat. It was another start in the position he had moved back into during the closing weeks of last season.
The Hale End graduate spent much of his breakthrough 2024/25 campaign at left-back, making 39 first-team appearances after Mikel Arteta moved him away from midfield. Lewis-Skelly had previously played through Arsenal's academy in the middle, including every minute of the under-18s' run to the FA Youth Cup final in 2022/23.
His performances for Arsenal and during the latest England camp were behind Tuchel's decision to start him against Spain.
"That's why he made an impression in club football and now through the week, that's why he got his start," Tuchel said.
"No presents here for no one. Also not on his birthday. It was his birthday today.
"He did very well for Arsenal on this position. I think it suits him a bit better than left-back."
Lewis-Skelly had already returned to midfield for Arsenal before the end of last season. He came into the side centrally for the Premier League win over Fulham in May, with Riccardo Calafiori playing at left-back, and remained an option there over the final weeks of the title-winning campaign.
Following those performances, Arteta then selected him alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Lewis-Skelly started in midfield as Arsenal drew 1-1 before losing on penalties in Budapest.
Tuchel had referenced that change when recalling Lewis-Skelly to his England squad earlier this month. The England head coach pointed to the level of his performances towards the end of Arsenal's season and his midfield start in the Champions League final when discussing his selection.
Against Spain, Lewis-Skelly was again used there from the beginning rather than returning to the left-back role in which he first established himself at senior level.
Tuchel was satisfied with his performance despite England losing the game.
"He was just very good and had a good match today," Tuchel said. "Did everything what was needed. Good performance."
Lewis-Skelly's first England call-up came during his breakthrough season at Arsenal in March 2025. He scored against Albania on his senior debut and has since moved between defensive and midfield roles for club and country.
England still have three more games of the international break completing their first round of UEFA Nations League Fixtures, meaning Lewis-Skelly could see more International experience before returning to North London.
