Myles Lewis-Skelly is asking the World Cup question again, but it comes with a caveat

Myles Lewis-Skelly may not have expected a regular starting role in Arsenal’s midfield, but he has seized his opportunity impressively.

His display against Fulham drew widespread praise and was enough to earn him a start in the Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid.

Operating alongside Declan Rice, his deeper role allowed Arsenal to commit more players forward, something that had been lacking in recent matches with Martín Zubimendi in the side.

After spending much of last season at left-back, Mikel Arteta has been openly demanding of the 19-year-old, limiting his opportunities for the majority of the season. He has also slipped out of the England setup recently, but on current form, his name may be climbing back up Thomas Tuchel’s plans with his name written a little larger than before.

What are Myles Lewis-Skelly's World Cup chances?

Those two performances, particularly against Fulham, have served as a timely reminder to Arsenal fans and England supporters of his composure, intelligence, and technical ability at the highest level. Still, a return to the international stage in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is far from guaranteed, given the increasing depth and competition in his position.

For years, central midfield was seen as a weak point for England following the departures of Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Michael Carrick, with no clear long-term successor able to fully take control of the role. Now, however, the situation has shifted significantly, with a new generation offering both quality and variety in deeper midfield positions.

England’s March squad alone reflected that depth, featuring players such as Elliot Anderson, James Garner, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice and Adam Wharton, each bringing a different profile, from defensive discipline to progressive ball-carrying. Beyond that group, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Conor Gallagher continue to push their case, underlining just how competitive those deeper roles have become.

Left-back options remain limited, and while Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed in midfield, his ability to slot in wide makes him a valuable option who could adapt quickly. Nico O'Reilly appears to be the current first choice, with Lewis Hall and Djed Spence providing depth, although both have struggled for form recently.

Lewis-Skelly’s versatility strengthens his case, and another major advantage is his freshness heading into the tournament. With just 32 appearances across all competitions, many of them brief cameos, he is unlikely to be carrying the same physical load as others, which could prove crucial over the course of a demanding international campaign.

Four games to shape a season; four games to define a career. While Arsenal fight for their place in the history books, Myles Lewis-Skelly is auditioning for the biggest stage of all. If he maintains this trajectory, he won't just be an Arsenal hero, he could be the man to lead England to World Cup success.

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