Arsenal starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly marks England debut in the best possible way

Arsenal supporters rejoiced in unison on Friday night as Myles Lewis-Skelly celebrated his England debut by scoring the opening goal against Albania.

Lewis-Skelly's rise over the past few months having broken into Mikel Arteta's first team towards the end of 2024 resulted in his first call-up to the Three Lions squad in March, and new manager Thomas Tuchel opted to start the 18-year-old in their first 2026 World Cup qualifier against Albania, who are led by former Gunner Sylvinho.

Speaking ahead of the game, Tuchel spoke glowing of the Arsenal starlet, saying: "I can absolutely understand why everybody loves the boy. He's a big character, a big personality, and a very, very talented player. He's ready to go."

The teenager's start to the contest was assured, manifesting a cool presence in possession and his ability to ride challenges with aplomb. Then, 20 minutes in, the moment Lewis-Skelly's been dreaming of arrived.

Myles Lewis-Skelly scores the first England goal of the Thomas Tuchel era

The country cast a watchful gaze over Tuchel's managerial bow, keen to enjoy the freshness of a new dawn. A notable theme early on in Friday's qualifier was England's willingness to run in behind a deep-lying Albania defence, and Lewis-Skelly, on his first foray forward, was the beneficiary of a pinpoint Jude Bellingham pass after darting behind Ivan Balliu.

In front of goal, the teenager required just one touch. His finish through the legs of an onrushing Thomas Strakosha was tidy.

The strike means Lewis-Skelly has become the youngest ever player to score on their England debut, and he'll be etched into Three Lions folklore for becoming the first goalscorer of Tuchel's reign. No matter how his international career pans out, he'll be a pub quiz answer for eternity.

The teenager played almost the entirety of his debut, producing the sort of performance we've grown accustomed to in north London. It turns out Tuchel was right: he's ready.

There was more Arsenal joy in the second half as Declan Rice, who was also included in Tuchel's first XI, recorded an assist for England's second. Rice's cross was expertly brought down and finished by the inevitable Harry Kane, who netted his 70th international goal. The midfielder was then offered some respite with ten minutes remaining as he was replaced by Jordan Henderson.

While Tuchel will want to make full use of his squad, Lewis-Skelly, in particular, will be hard to drop for Monday's qualifier against Latvia. The German hasn't exactly got a wealth of left-back options at his disposal, so a second England cap (and start) could be around the corner for the ever-impressive teenager.

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