Myles Lewis-Skelly was lost for words after becoming the youngest debutant to ever score for England as Thomas Tuchel secured a winning start to his tenure.
Tuchel lauded Lewis-Skelly’s character as the 18-year-old took the plaudits from a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Albania in which Harry Kane struck a 70th international goal.
‘I am so grateful for the manager to put trust in me,’ the Arsenal teenager said. ‘I am so happy, I’m lost for words.’
Tuchel admitted last week that the FA held lengthy deliberations as to whether to call on Lewis-Skelly but revealed that the youngster’s impact on the squad has proven it to be a correct decision.
‘He came into camp and showed straight away that it’s so normal to fall in love with him,’ Tuchel said. ‘He’s a top player. Amazing character and well deserved.
‘He’s full of confidence and humour. Such an open and mature character. What you see on the pitch you see off it. He has a natural confidence, full of courage and quality. His little run [for the goal] was decisive in opening up this game for us.’
Eighteen-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly scored on his England debut in a 2-0 win over Albania
He hit the net in the 20th minute to become the youngest debutant to ever score for England
Tuchel did warn that England must improve after struggling to put Albania away, claiming that individualism took over.
‘We weren’t disciplined in the structure,’ the German added. ‘We tried a little bit too much alone and out of possession.
‘It was a fluid game in the opponents’ half but not in the final 20 metres. We need to take more risk with chipped balls behind the line.
‘I had the feeling there was more frustration in the second half, we couldn’t play in our structure and it became more complicated. We need to play through people and find a better rhythm.
‘We’ll get better. We’ll understand better and I’ll understand the players better, to find more aggressive movements.’
Tuchel was also left disappointed by the contributions of Phil Foden and the returning Marcus Rashford, saying neither were decisive enough in the wide areas.
The head coach did concede that the Three Lions were not quick enough in finding either man.
Lewis-Skelly was embraced by new England boss Thomas Tuchel when he was subbed off
Jude Bellingham, whose moment of genius assisted Lewis-Skelly’s first-half opener, echoed Tuchel in believing there is significantly more to come – stressing that additional sessions in coming camps will see them gel.
‘We had clear ideas of what we wanted to do and how to play,’ Bellingham said.
‘It is difficult against a team that sits so low. Generally we stuck to the plan well, we had a really good week of training. A good win to start the new era.
‘It’s about keeping the rhythm, keeping the tempo. Maybe being a bit more clinical. The more we are together as a group the more we will learn.’
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