'He is fearless' - Declan Rice left in awe of Arsenal team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly after 18-year-old scores and is named Player of the Match on England debut

The 18-year-old full-back found the net just 20 minutes into the match against Albania, helping England secure a 2-0 victory at Wembley in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier. It was a routine win for Thomas Tuchel's troops on his managerial debut with Harry Kane sealing the three points with a poacher's finish in the 70th minute.

Lewis-Skelly, one of Arsenal’s brightest young talents, seized the opportunity when Jude Bellingham played him through on goal. With remarkable composure, the teenager calmly slotted the ball between the legs of the Albanian goalkeeper, sending the Wembley crowd into a frenzy.

Arsenal midfielder Rice was full of admiration for his young club team-mate, highlighting his maturity and confidence despite his tender age.

“He [Myles Lewis-Skelly] is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18," he told Itv after the match. “I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has. He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him."

At 18 years and 176 days, Lewis-Skelly broke a record that had stood since 2016, surpassing Marcus Rashford, who was 18 years and 209 days old when he scored his first England goal against Australia.

After making an electrifying start to his international career, Lewis-Skelly will be hoping to build on his momentum when England faces Latvia on Monday at Wembley. His impressive displays for Arsenal this season have already drawn attention, and his ability to step up on the international stage suggests that England may have unearthed a future star.