Is Roy Keane Concerned About Arsenal Star After England Duo Thrives Under Tuchel?

Roy Keane has issued a caution to Myles Lewis-Skelly regarding his limited playing time at Arsenal, which could hinder his chances of solidifying a spot in England's World Cup squad. With the emergence of stars like Nico O’Reilly and the established performances of Marcus Rashford, Lewis-Skelly must fight to reclaim his place in the Gunners' starting XI to boost his international prospects.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the football season progresses, Myles Lewis-Skelly finds himself at a crossroads in his young career. Recently, he was not selected for the England squad for upcoming matches against Serbia and Albania, primarily due to his diminished role at Arsenal. With his recent spot being taken by Riccardo Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly's ambitions of becoming England's first-choice left-back are in jeopardy. His situation has drawn attention, especially with the World Cup approaching, as he competes for a position with other talented players.

Key takeaways

Lewis-Skelly has only played 87 minutes of Premier League football this season.
He faces stiff competition from Nico O’Reilly and Marcus Rashford for a spot on the England team.
Keane emphasised the importance of regular playing time for Lewis-Skelly to remain in contention for the national team.

Timeline: how we got here

Lewis-Skelly’s trajectory at Arsenal and for the England youth teams has been impressive, but recent events have raised questions about his future:

August 2023: Lewis-Skelly begins the season as a promising option for Arsenal.
September 2023: He earns praise for his performances in pre-season, hinting at a potential starting role.
October 2023: Lewis-Skelly loses his position in the starting XI to Riccardo Calafiori.
30 October 2023: He is omitted from the England squad for upcoming qualifiers, raising concerns about his World Cup chances.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Roy Keane has publicly advised Lewis-Skelly that regaining his first-team position at Arsenal is essential for his international ambitions. Keane's commentary highlights how chemistry among players, such as the partnership between O’Reilly and Rashford, can significantly impact team selection.

What was already established

It was previously known that Lewis-Skelly had potential but needed more consistent game time to showcase his abilities. England manager Thomas Tuchel reiterated that performance and competition are critical factors influencing squad selection.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The implications of Lewis-Skelly's situation extend beyond personal career concerns. Footballing fans in the UK are invested in the success of the national team, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. A strong England squad can enhance national pride and influence viewership and merchandise sales.

Businesses and jobs

For clubs looking to bolster their squads, Lewis-Skelly's current predicament may prompt interest from numerous Premier League teams. His potential transfer could impact the dynamics of player recruitment and development across clubs, especially as the January transfer window approaches.

Policy and regulation

The Football Association (FA) and Premier League continue to monitor player development and transfer movements. As Lewis-Skelly's situation unfolds, it could lead to discussions around youth player management and the opportunities available for young talents in the league.

Numbers that matter

87 minutes: Total Premier League minutes played by Lewis-Skelly this season.
2: The number of England international matches he missed due to lack of playing time.
20: The number of Premier League clubs reportedly interested in his potential availability.

Definitions and jargon buster

Premier League: The top tier of professional football in England.
World Cup: An international football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of FIFA.
FA: The Football Association, the governing body of football in England.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Lewis-Skelly needs to focus on regaining his spot in the Arsenal first team. This will involve training hard and taking advantage of any opportunities that arise, particularly in upcoming fixtures.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the January transfer window approaches, Lewis-Skelly may need to consider his options if his situation at Arsenal does not improve. A move could guarantee him more playing time, crucial for his World Cup aspirations.

Signals to watch

Arsenal's upcoming fixtures and Lewis-Skelly's involvement.
Interest from other clubs as the January transfer window nears.
Performance of competing players like Nico O’Reilly in their respective teams.

Practical guidance

Do

Focus on improving performance during training sessions.
Maintain open communication with coaching staff regarding development and opportunities.

Don’t

Be complacent about his current situation; remain proactive in seeking game time.
Ignore the competitive landscape; be aware of players vying for the same position.

Checklist

Assess weekly performance to identify areas for improvement.
Engage with teammates to foster chemistry and teamwork.
Stay informed about transfer market developments.
Prepare mentally for potential challenges ahead.
Revisit fitness and conditioning goals regularly.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Lewis-Skelly's future is uncertain, as his development hinges on regular playing time. While he possesses the talent to succeed, the competitive nature of both club and international football means that he must overcome significant hurdles. Factors such as injuries, managerial changes, and the performance of other players could all influence his trajectory.

Bottom line

Myles Lewis-Skelly's aspirations of making the England squad for the upcoming World Cup depend heavily on his ability to secure more playing time at Arsenal. As competition intensifies, both at club and international levels, the next few months will be crucial for his career. His situation serves as a reminder of the challenges young players face in professional football.

FAQs

Why is Myles Lewis-Skelly not playing regularly for Arsenal?

Lewis-Skelly has lost his position in the Arsenal starting XI to Riccardo Calafiori, limiting his playing time to just 87 minutes this season.

What does Roy Keane think of Lewis-Skelly's situation?

Roy Keane has warned Lewis-Skelly that he needs to get back into the Arsenal first team to remain a contender for England's World Cup squad.

How does competition affect Lewis-Skelly's chances for the England team?

With players like Nico O’Reilly performing well, Lewis-Skelly must demonstrate his skills and earn playing time to compete for a spot in the England squad.