(foto: Getty Images)
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored on his England debut at 18 years and 176 days, surpassing Marcus Rashford as the nation’s youngest debutant goalscorer.
Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a dream debut for England on Friday night, scoring in the 20th minute of a 1-0 win over Albania in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley. The Arsenal midfielder made history by becoming the youngest player ever to score on his England debut at just 18 years and 176 days.
Lewis-Skelly broke the record previously held by Marcus Rashford, who was 18 years and 209 days old when he scored on debut against Australia in 2016. Fittingly, Rashford was also back in the starting XI tonight, making his first national team appearance in a year.
A perfect moment for club and country
The goal came after Lewis-Skelly made a brilliant run in behind the Albanian defence and connected with a pinpoint cross from Jude Bellingham to give England the lead. The teenager’s composure and timing belied his age, capping off what has already been a breakthrough season at club level.
With standout performances for Arsenal this year, Lewis-Skelly has established himself as a reliable contributor, joining the ranks of the Gunners’ next generation alongside Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri.
As England continues to transition into a new era under Thomas Tuchel, Lewis-Skelly’s emergence is another positive sign for the future of the Three Lions midfield.