Myles Lewis-Skelly’s hopes of making the England squad for the next World Cup could be under threat after a disappointing showing in his most recent international outing. The young left-back, who enjoyed a breakthrough season with Arsenal last year, has seen his fortunes change significantly in recent months, both at club and international level.
Once a key starter for the Gunners, Lewis-Skelly quickly became a trusted figure under Thomas Tuchel, who made him his first-choice left-back. His energy, composure, and attacking instincts made him a valuable asset for both club and country. However, this season has seen a notable shift in circumstances, as he has fallen behind Riccardo Calafiori in the Arsenal pecking order.
A Decline in Form and Opportunity
Calafiori’s consistent performances have made it difficult for Mikel Arteta to justify altering his defensive setup. The Italian defender’s balance between defensive solidity and attacking support has been instrumental in Arsenal’s impressive start to the campaign. As a result, Lewis-Skelly has found himself restricted to a bench role, watching as his team sits comfortably at the top of the Premier League table.
Despite his lack of regular game time, Lewis-Skelly was still called up to the latest England camp, with Tuchel showing faith in the youngster by including him in the squad. The manager has placed a strong emphasis on maintaining a cohesive group, fostering unity and togetherness among his players. Yet, on the pitch, Lewis-Skelly struggled to impress in England’s 5–0 victory over Latvia, raising questions about his form and readiness.
Competition for the Left-Back Role
According to Football365, Lewis-Skelly looked rusty during the match, lacking the sharpness and rhythm expected at international level. The report highlighted how Djed Spence, who started the previous fixture in the same position, appeared far more composed and effective. Spence’s superior display could see him retain the position ahead of Lewis-Skelly for future fixtures.
Furthermore, with Tino Livramento set to return from injury soon, the competition for the left-back spot is only expected to intensify. If Lewis-Skelly fails to rediscover his best form quickly, he risks slipping further down the national team’s hierarchy. His immediate focus will need to be on regaining match fitness and convincing both Arteta and Tuchel that he remains capable of performing at the highest level.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
So Arteta’s decision to bench Skelly is now justified. I think England has no a natural lefty in that position which gives Skelly the advantage. Both Spence and Livramento are naturally right footed players. Skelly needs to go to the basics that propelled him last season. But this article doesn’t indicate in which parameters Skelly lagged behind his rivals. England in that position Stuart Pearce, Nigel Winterburn, Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Luke Shaw ???
MSL is simply not a left back and has been played there for England due to the dearth of natural left footers in that position.Unfortunately he does not have the natural positional sense nor the pace to cope with speedy wingers on the counter attack and was shown up on a number of occasions last night against a very ordinary Latvia side which would struggle in our Championship League.He is basically another Zinchenko with a bit more steel who could do a decent job in a central midfield role but i very much doubt if he will develope into a top quality player like some from our Academy.I know my views will differ from many on JA, but it is an opinion i have held since he became a member of our first team squad.
Grandad
I don’t disagree with you too much, I would only add that MLS can play the “Zubimendi role” in Arsenal’s midfield. He is not a midfield destroyer, more like a facilitator with good positional sense and a bit of bite to him defensively.
I would like to see him in that role; mostly selfish on my part because with MLS, Nwaneri, and Dowman we have our next generation midfield already with the first team.
Unfortunately, I have to disagree. I don’t think it is particularly helpful to define roles so restrictively as is implied in Grandads message.
The way players interpret the LB is quite variable. MLS has played the left back role creditably for one of the best teams in the world and England who are top 5 in world football. Although it may be difficult to develop his speed, positional sense can be improved and given MLS age it is far too early to be dismissive of his potential as a top class left back. At the moment his best position is still to be determined and people really just need to let him develop.