England national team manager Thomas Tuchel recently sent a clear message to Arsenal’s promising young player, Myles Lewis-Skelly: while his conduct and attitude in the national team camp are excellent, consistent performance at his club will be the deciding factor for his long-term future with the Three Lions. The 19-year-old, who has yet to start a Premier League game this season but has shone in cup competitions, received an England call-up for upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia, yet Tuchel emphasized that a spot in next year’s World Cup squad is far from guaranteed.
🗣️ Tuchel’s Direct Message: More Than Just Good Conduct
Thomas Tuchel highlighted that simply being a “good citizen” within the national team setup isn’t enough to secure a lasting place. He praised Lewis-Skelly’s positive contribution during last month’s camp, acknowledging him as a very good player and teammate. However, Tuchel clearly stated that consistent playing time and strong performances at the club level are non-negotiable requirements for players hoping to remain part of the national squad throughout the year.
📈 Club Performance: The Key Factor
Tuchel stressed the importance of regular club performances. He explained that Lewis-Skelly earned his recent call-up due to a prior commitment to support his career progression, having been called up last season. While he benefited from being part of a successful recent camp and received a reward for that, his lack of minutes in the Premier League remains a concern. The manager’s message is unequivocal: players must prove themselves consistently with their clubs to merit a national team selection.
✨ Praising Attitude, But Demanding More
Despite the tough message regarding club minutes, Tuchel did commend Lewis-Skelly’s exceptional attitude, especially noting his behaviour during the match against Serbia where he wasn’t part of the 20-man squad. “His training, his attitude, his attitude to push and support the guys on the pitch was outstanding and of the highest level,” Tuchel remarked. This positive conduct helped him retain his place in the current squad, particularly benefiting from the close timing of recent camps. However, the manager reiterated that his performances for Arsenal in the coming months would be a crucial determinant for his continued international involvement.
