Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) gestures to Arsenal's English midfielder #49 Myles Lewis-Skelly (L) as he leaves the game, substituted during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 2, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)(Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta thoughts on Myles Lewis-Skelly England call-up crystal clear after Arsenal success

by · football.london

Mikel Arteta has given his thoughts on Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly getting called up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad. The 18-year-old has become a regular starter under the Spaniard after a spate of injuries in the team but also through his own top performances.

Speaking to the media ahead of the clash with Chelsea in the Premier League, the Gunners’ boss was full of compliments for the Hale End graduate. Having been scrutinised for a lack of youth promotion in recent seasons, the reward for taking this step is obvious.

It was clear that Arteta was very enamoured of the moment to see Lewis-Skelly get the lift into this level. It represented the club and the staff well too.

“Very proud. It's a huge moment for him, getting the call from England. Very happy," Arteta said.

Arteta was also asked about having an English core at the club with players like Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and one day perhaps Ethan Nwaneri making a similar step. “Culturally, because of our history and we are an English club. To have that DNA, to have a lot of academy players," Arteta said.

Tuchel spoke of the parental vibe that managers have for players of such an age. Arteta agreed and made reference to his own family which gives him that sense of responsibility.

“They are almost the age of my oldest son, so I can see a lot of similarities,” he said. “Both of them they have great families. We have a big responsibility.”

Arsenal take on Chelsea on Sunday at 1:30pm UK time with build-up and match coverage starting four hours before kick-off on our football.london matchday blog.