‘I know England think highly of him’ – Arsenal star Declan Rice hints at next Three Lions debutante
DECLAN RICE has hinted at who could be the next player to make their England debut.
The Arsenal star made the revelation following the 2-1 North London derby victory over Tottenham.
Rice, 26, claimed that Myles Lewis-Skelly is highly rated by the England set-up following his breakthrough this season.
Lewis-Skelly is capable of playing in the midfield and at left-back and has impressed since coming into the Gunners side.
He stepped up yet again against Spurs as he played 87 minutes and was an important part of the backline.
Rice hailed the 18-year-old’s performance when speaking to TNT Sport and claimed that he could be representing the Three Lions before long.
He said: “Myles was unbelievable.
“For 18, what he showed was ridiculous. It’s scary.
“Four or five times in the second half, he used his body to get away from someone. He has that Moussa Dembele type strength.
“It is risky but to show that personality and character at 18 is unbelievable.
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“I know England think highly of him.”
Lewis-Skelly’s performances has seen him be selected ahead of the likes of Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko by Mikel Arteta.
He also became the second-youngest player for Arsenal to start a North London derby in the Premier League.
At 18 years and 11 days, only a 17-year-old Cesc Fabregas was younger when he featured in the clash during the 2004/05 season.
Rice did admit there is a lot of competition for Lewis-Skelly to beat for a spot in Thomas Tuchel‘s side.
He added: “He is a midfielder by trade, he can play No.6, No.8, obviously he’s come into the team and played left-back, it suits him coming inside.
“To know these roles and to understand what he’s learning now at 18, it’s unbelievable, it’s only going to stand him in good stead.
“There’s a lot of competition for places all over the pitch for England, we all need to keep performing for the new manager.”
Arteta also spoke highly of Lewis-Skelly’s showing against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
He said: “Unbelievable… he was phenomenal today, I think.
“He has a real personality, he has so much trust in himself, he has an attitude about him.
“You have to play against [Dejan] Kulusevski and [Brennan] Johnson here is not easy, the way he handled the situation and the occasion, it was top.”
Lewis-Skelly spoke after Arsenal’s win over Tottenham and insisted he had to put “on a show” for his watching family.
Speaking to Arsenal legend Ian Wright, he claimed that he could not look “soft” in front of his grandma.
He told Optus Sports: “My mum, my grandma, my friends (were at the game).
“And I had to put on a show for my grandma, to make sure that I did not look soft in front of her.
“I had to make sure I was winning my tackles for her, and hopefully she is proud of me.
“The match was amazing, and everything that lived up to my dreams.
“I couldn’t believe it. I just had to take in every moment and every second.
“Honestly, it was amazing, and it is moments like this that we live for.”
Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham
By Dan King
ARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby.
Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.
But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner as Gabriel Magalhaes‘ header was bundled in as an own goal by Dominic Solanke.
Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.
Here’s how the players rated…
David Raya – 6
Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.
William Saliba – 6
Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.
Thomas Partey – 7
Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.
Declan Rice – 7
Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.
Raheem Sterling – 5
Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.
Kai Havertz – 4
Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.
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Gabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5
Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.
Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6
Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6
Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.
Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6
Good booking to stop Solanke getting away in stoppage time.