England U21 coach gives Lewis-Skelly crucial game time amid club struggles

England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley has used the international break to provide Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly with full match minutes, aiming to restore both his physical and mental sharpness.

The 19-year-old has struggled for game time at his club, having not featured in the Premier League since January.

Carsley, however, included him in both U21 fixtures during the break, giving him 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Andorra and a 4-1 victory over Moldova at Carrow Road.

“There’s no point in bringing in players with high potential only to then not play them,” Carsley said, explaining his approach.

He emphasized that the international setup allows him to manage players’ minutes and rebuild confidence, even when club opportunities are limited.

Carsley highlighted Lewis-Skelly’s dedication throughout training and matches, praising his attitude. “A player like Myles is a real asset for us, but we need to make sure he recovers mentally as well as physically. That’s exactly what we’ve achieved with him. His attitude has been exceptional,” he added.

The manager clarified that he has no influence over tactical decisions at Arsenal and can only focus on the minutes allocated during international duty.

By giving Lewis-Skelly two complete matches in a short span, Carsley believes the midfielder is now in an optimal state to return to his club environment with confidence and improved match fitness.

This approach underscores Carsley’s commitment to nurturing England’s young talents, offering playing time and development opportunities even when club circumstances are challenging.

For Lewis-Skelly, the international break has provided a vital platform to regain form ahead of the crucial final months of the Premier League season.