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England v Albania - European Qualifiers Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026Getty Images Sport

'My heart started to pound' - New England hero Myles Lewis-Skelly opens up on making goal-scoring Three Lions debut under Thomas Tuchel as he heaps praise on Jude Bellingham

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Lewis-Skelly discusses England debut
  • Set new Three Lions all-time record
  • Praises Bellingham assist for goal
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Lewis-Skelly spoke to reporters at Wembley Stadium after making his senior England debut as a starter in the 2-0 win over Albania. He was picked at left-back in an experimental defensve unit, flanking fellow debutant, 32-year-old Dan Burn. It took just 20 minutes for him to find the net and open the scoring.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The last few months have been a whirlwind for Lewis-Skelly. He started the season in Arsenal's Under-21 squad, but was promoted to the first-team in late August to help cover defensive injuries. Even then, the teenager spent much of his time on the bench until a first Premier League start in December, after which he has cemented his place in Mikel Arteta's preferred XI. His England call-up by Thomas Tuchel earlier this month was deserved and widely praised.

  • WHAT MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY SAID

    "I am lost for words. This past six months have gone so quickly. I stay in the present and I take every moment as it comes," he said.

    "[For the goal], all I remember is staying wide and rotating with Marcus Rashford. Jude [Bellingham] loves to stay on the half-turn. It was a great pass from him and the timing was very good. The finish, the keeper was coming at me, and I tried to put it between the legs. I didn't even think I was going to score.

    "I found out [I was starting] in the morning in the meeting and when I saw my name my heart started to pound - I was so excited. So many messages before the game. They are all here tonight and it means the world to them. Honestly, it is incredible - this is a day I'll never forget."

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Aged 18 years and 176 days, Lewis-Skelly broke Marcus Rashford's 2016 record to become the youngest-ever England player to score on their senior men's debut. Rashford was 18 years and 209 days when he found the net against Australia in pre-Euro 2016 warm-up.

  • England v Albania - European Qualifiers Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT?

    England have a quick turnaround before hosting Latvia in a second qualifier at Wembley on Monday night. Without a specialised left-back in the squad - even Lewis-Skelly is naturally a midfielder - the Arsenal talent will be hoping to earn another chance to follow up his excellent debut.