Myles Lewis-Skelly in line for England call-up - Thomas Tuchel must take different approach to Mikel Arteta | OneFootball

England manager Thomas Tuchel is looking at Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly as he prepares to name his first squad for next month's international break.

The 18-year-old, long heralded as one of the most exciting prospects in English football, is enjoying a breakout season under Mikel Arteta after pouncing on an injury crisis at left-back to establish himself as a first-team regular.

With 20 senior appearances to his name and a first goal coming in the 5-1 thumping of Manchester City, it comes as no surprise that, according to the Daily Mail, Tuchel has taken a liking to Lewis-Skelly.

England have struggled horribly for reliable left-back options in recent years, with injuries and form troubles preventing both Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell from establishing themselves under Gareth Southgate, who often played right-back Kieran Trippier out of position.

It is clear to see why Lewis-Skelly may have a route into the England squad at left-back, but Tuchel would be wise to restore the teenager to his natural position in central midfield to really see what he is all about.

Those who have followed Lewis-Skelly's rise through the Arsenal academy ranks may feel a sense of frustration towards his breakthrough as a left-back, particularly as Lewis-Skelly's natural profile - a deep-lying playmaker - is one which England fans have been screaming out for for years now.

Questions as to why England never produce a Xavi, an Andrea Pirlo or a Sergio Busquets have dominated the discourse around the Three Lions in recent years. It's for that reason that Angel Gomes' breakthrough under interim boss Lee Carsley was particularly exciting.

A gifted playmaker with both the discipline and positional awareness to operate as a lone midfielder, Lewis-Skelly has not yet displayed half the reasons why long-time fans were excited to see him in senior football. Arteta's usage of him as a left-back, while understandable, has altered the 18-year-old's trajectory and has threatened to steer him away from the path which England need him to take.

There's nothing wrong with Arteta's decision to play Lewis-Skelly in defence - minutes are minutes, at the end of the day - but Tuchel now has the chance to make a brave statement by offering Lewis-Skelly the chance to strut his stuff in his natural position. If his performances at left-back are anything to go by, the rewards for doing so could be enormous.