Lewis-Skelly´s England senior call-up ´a huge moment for him and the club´ – Arteta

Mikel Arteta spoke of his pride at Myles Lewis-Skelly receiving his first senior England call-up, and hopes the academy graduate can inspire Arsenal’s youngsters to follow the same path.

The 18-year-old was named in Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad on Thursday for next week’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

Lewis-Skelly, who only made his first-team debut in September, has made 25 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this season, including eight Premier League starts.

The versatile midfielder, who has also featured frequently at left-back, has won 6.77 duels per 90 minutes, a tally only bettered for the Gunners by Mikel Merino (7.26) in the Premier League.

Lewis-Skelly has also won 1.73 tackles per 90 minutes in the English top flight, with only Thomas Partey (1.97) and Riccardo Calafiori (1.75) averaging more.

“I’m very proud of him. It’s a huge moment for him and for the club as well,” Arteta told reporters. “One of our graduates getting the call for England. It’s a massive thing, so [I’m] very happy.

“Thomas [Tuchel] is a top coach. I know a few people around him and the setup in England, and I have no doubt that they will do the right thing with him.

“We are all really, really happy because it’s a really nice story, and a story that gives a lot of hope to a lot of young players that, in six, seven months, your career can change dramatically, drastically for the good.

“So, it’s something for people to be inspired by. I think it hasn’t happened because he was lucky. I think he pushed for every chance to make it happen and the way he’s done it.”

Ready to represent

Mikel Arteta is full of pride following Myles Lewis-Skelly’s England call-uppic.twitter.com/thDpv1Z3Jo

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 14, 2025