Myles Lewis-Skelly has created England history by becoming the youngest player to score on their senior debut for the national team.
The versatile Arsenal star got the Thomas Tuchel era off to the perfect start by sliding home the opener in Friday night’s clash against Albania.
It took 20 minutes for the Three Lions to break the deadlock in their opening World Cup 2026 qualifier at Wembley.
And despite Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford all starting, it was Lewis-Skelly that found the back of the net first.
Bellingham found the run of the left-back with an expert through ball, with Lewis-Skelly coolly slotting through goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha’s legs with a first-time finish.
Ages just 18 years and 176 days, the teenager has become the youngest player to score on their England debut since the Three Lions’ first official match against Scotland in 1972.
“Life doesn’t get any better than that for a lad making his England debut… a fantastic finish,” England legend Stuart Pearce said on commentary for talkSPORT.
Lewis-Skelly has broken the nine-year record previously set by teammate Rashford.
The Manchester United forward – on loan at Aston Villa – scored against Australia at the age of 18 years and 209 days in May 2016.
Meanwhile, Lewis-Skelly’s strike has seen him enter the top three of youngest England scorers in history.
It’s Wayne Rooney that sits top of the pile having scored his first in September 2003 at the age of 17 years and 317 days against North Macedonia.
Michael Owen is second on the list having got on the score sheet aged 18 years and 164 days against Morocco in May 1998.
Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season having only made his Arsenal debut in September.
He has since featured in 26 outings in all competitions – starting in nine of his 14 Premier League appearances.
More to follow…
