Tuchel explains starting Myles Lewis-Skelly for England and assesses his display against Spain

# Overview

Myles Lewis-Skelly returned to England's starting XI for the UEFA Nations League match against Spain, his first appearance for the national team in almost a year. Thomas Tuchel explained the selection was reward for club performances and said the midfielder's recent role at Arsenal better fits his strengths than playing at left-back.

# Lewis-Skelly

Tuchel said Lewis-Skelly earned his place through club performances. "He made an impression in club football and now through the week, that's why he got his start," Tuchel said after the game. He added that Lewis-Skelly had performed well for Arsenal in the midfield position and that it suited him more than left-back.

The manager's comments framed the selection as performance-based rather than experimental: Tuchel described the match as a good one for Lewis-Skelly and said he "did everything what was needed."

# Media and pundit reaction

Two prominent former England internationals publicly praised the young Arsenal player after the match. Alan Shearer noted Lewis-Skelly's rise into England's midfield this season, calling it "remarkable," and pointed out his previous midfield experience. Gary Lineker highlighted the responsibility of replacing a player like Declan Rice and singled out Lewis-Skelly and team-mate Elliot Anderson as "exceptional" in the tie.

# Lewis-Skelly's position at Arsenal

Lewis-Skelly has played in midfield since his youth days but initially broke into Arsenal's first team as a left-back because of the club's needs at the time. With Arsenal less reliant on him as a left-back now, the club has been able to use him in his preferred central role. The article notes Lewis-Skelly has made five starts in midfield this season, coinciding with five Arsenal wins.

# How the international role fits his club form

Tuchel made a direct link between club performance and national selection. Arsenal's decision to move Lewis-Skelly into midfield appears to have influenced England's decision to deploy him there as well. Tuchel's assessment — that the midfield position suits him better — aligns with Lewis-Skelly's background as a midfielder and his recent starting run at Arsenal.

# Immediate context and next steps

England face the Czech Republic away in their next Nations League fixture. If Tuchel gives Lewis-Skelly another start, the player will have another opportunity to consolidate his place and build on the positive reception to his performance against Spain.

# Short timeline

• Lewis-Skelly was out of the England squad for almost a year before being recalled.

• This season he has started five midfield games for Arsenal, all wins.

# Bottom line

Tuchel's explanation is straightforward: club form earned Lewis-Skelly a start, the midfield role suits him better than left-back, and his Spain performance met the manager's expectations. High-profile pundits backed that view publicly, and the next England fixture offers a chance to see if the selection becomes regular.