England squad announcement: Arsenal teenager 'optimistic' of receiving Thomas Tuchel call-up

The newly-appointed Three Lions boss will announce his inaugural selection on March 14 as he ramps up preparations for England's opening World Cup 2026 qualifiers later this month.

Lewis-Skelly has already been labelled "the best English left-back right now" as he bids to win his first senior call-up, which could come before he even makes his debut for the Under-21s.

The 18-year-old started the season behind Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and new signing Riccardo Calafiori in the pecking order, but he has enjoyed a sensational rise to become Mikel Arteta's first choice in that position.

The midfielder-turned-defender has made 25 appearances in all tournaments during the 2024-25 campaign, netting one goal and starting eight matches in the Premier League for his boyhood club.

Lewis-Skelly 'hopes' to be named in England squad

Lewis-Skelly still has a lot to learn disciplinary-wise, though, as he has already been sent off twice - although his red card versus Wolverhampton Wanderers was overturned - and was lucky not to suffer the same fate in the 7-1 Champions League thrashing of PSV Eindhoven.

Nevertheless, The Guardian claims that the 2006-born phenom is hopeful of being included in Tuchel's first selection on Friday, where he could benefit from a lack of other viable options in that area of the field.

Newcastle United's Lewis Hall and Manchester United's Luke Shaw are both on the sidelines through injury, while Ben Chilwell - on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea - has played just 229 minutes this season.

Chilwell's Eagles compatriot Tyrick Mitchell is another option, though, as are Leif Davis, Djed Spence and Dan Burn, the latter of whom is also said to be in the reckoning for a call-up this week.

Lewis-Skelly could follow the Kobbie Mainoo path if he is called up this week, as the Manchester United man was selected for Euro 2024 despite not playing a single minute for the Under-21s.

What about Ethan Nwaneri?

Lewis-Skelly is not the only Hale End graduate to make a name for himself in the Arsenal XI this season, as Ethan Nwaneri has done a sterling job filling Bukayo Saka's boots in recent weeks.

The 17-year-old has netted eight goals of his own while setting up one more in 28 appearances this season, but the report adds that an Under-21s call-up is more likely for this month.

Even though Saka and Noni Madueke are both out injured, Jarrod Bowen, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford represent alternative options on the right flank for England.

Tuchel's first game as Three Lions head coach comes at home to Albania on March 21, three day before they also host Latvia in their second Group K fixture at Wembley.

Meanwhile, the Under-21s take on France (March 21) and Portugal (March 24) in a pair of friendlies this month.

Written by

Ben Knapton