The latest England fixture saw the national team claim an important victory, but the biggest talking point wasn’t the final score—it was the impressive debut of Myles Lewis-Skelly. The young Arsenal talent stepped onto the pitch for his first senior international appearance and left a lasting impression, earning praise from manager Thomas Tuchel. However, the night wasn’t as positive for England’s established stars, with Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden struggling to make an impact.
This match was a crucial test for England as Tuchel continues to shape his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With new faces and tactical tweaks, the game provided insight into the manager’s vision for the team.
Myles Lewis-Skelly Shines in England Debut
Few expected Myles Lewis-Skelly to feature prominently in this match, but the 18-year-old midfielder grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Called up due to his outstanding performances at the youth level with Arsenal, Lewis-Skelly showed maturity beyond his years, seamlessly slotting into England’s midfield.
From the first whistle, his confidence was evident. He displayed excellent ball control, quick decision-making, and impressive composure under pressure. Tuchel’s tactical setup allowed him to play with freedom, and he took full advantage of it. His ability to break up play and distribute the ball efficiently stood out, proving why he has been highly rated in Arsenal’s youth ranks.
In a post-match interview, Tuchel couldn’t hide his admiration for the young midfielder:
“Myles showed exactly why he deserves to be here. He played with confidence, energy, and discipline. It’s never easy making your debut at this level, but he handled it brilliantly. This is just the beginning for him.”
Tuchel’s words suggest that Lewis-Skelly could be in his long-term plans, giving England fans hope that another young star is emerging.
Rashford and Foden Fail to Impress
While Lewis-Skelly’s debut was a highlight, two of England’s biggest names had a game to forget. Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden, both expected to be key players under Tuchel, struggled throughout the match.
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Marcus Rashford’s Inconsistency
Rashford has been one of England’s most exciting attackers in recent years, but his form has been inconsistent. In this match, he struggled to make an impact, often losing possession and failing to convert promising opportunities.
Despite his pace and technical ability, Rashford appeared hesitant, making poor decisions in the final third. Tuchel’s system relies on fluid movement and quick interplay, but Rashford’s lack of sharpness disrupted England’s attacking rhythm.
Critics have pointed out that his Manchester United struggles have carried over to the national team. Some fans are beginning to question whether he should remain a guaranteed starter, especially with younger talents like Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer pushing for more minutes.
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Phil Foden’s Quiet Performance
Phil Foden, regarded as one of the most gifted English players of his generation, also had a disappointing outing. The Manchester City star was expected to dictate play from midfield, but he found it difficult to influence the game.
A player of Foden’s quality should be creating chances and controlling the tempo, but he was often outmuscled and failed to make his usual incisive runs. His struggles might be due to the tactical adjustments under Tuchel, who has a different approach compared to Gareth Southgate.
Tuchel’s system demands high-intensity pressing and quick transitions, but Foden seemed to struggle with the pace of the game. It raises questions about whether he is best suited for the role Tuchel envisions for him.
Tuchel’s Tactical Approach and Future Plans
Thomas Tuchel has already begun implementing his ideas within the England squad. His preference for high pressing and structured build-up play was evident throughout the match.
One key aspect of Tuchel’s strategy is versatility in midfield, which is why Lewis-Skelly’s performance was so significant. Unlike Rashford and Foden, the young Arsenal player adapted quickly to the demands of the system.
Tuchel acknowledged that England is still a work in progress:
“We’re still developing. Some players need time to adjust, and we will continue to find the best balance. The important thing is that we are seeing promising signs from young talents like Myles.”
His words indicate that he is willing to give opportunities to new players, potentially putting pressure on established stars like Rashford and Foden to step up.
What’s Next for England
With this match serving as a stepping stone toward bigger challenges, England will need to address a few key issues:
- Finding the right attacking combination: If Rashford and Foden continue to struggle, Tuchel might need to explore other options, such as integrating more in-form wingers or playing Jude Bellingham in a more advanced role.
- Developing young talents: Myles Lewis-Skelly’s performance suggests that England has emerging stars ready to contribute. Tuchel may look at other young players to refresh the squad.
- Defensive stability: While the attack was inconsistent, England’s defense held firm. However, tougher opponents will test their resilience further.
England’s latest victory was a mixed bag—while Myles Lewis-Skelly’s debut was a major positive, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden’s struggles raised concerns. Thomas Tuchel’s praise for Lewis-Skelly signals a potential shift in England’s squad dynamics, with young players increasingly being given chances.
For Rashford and Foden, the challenge is clear: adapt to Tuchel’s system or risk being overtaken by emerging talents. With crucial matches ahead, England fans will be eager to see how Tuchel fine-tunes his squad for future success.
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