Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly left out of England squad to face Serbia because of tactical reasons and load management | OneFootball

Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly has been left out of the England squad to face Serbia because of tactical reasons and load management, according to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett.

The Gunners defender has yet to start a game for the Emirates Stadium club in 2025-26, but he played 90 minutes against Andorra last Saturday – his first full game since last term.

Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel has opted against including Lewis-Skelly in his squad to play at the Rajko Mitic Stadium later today in order to rest him.

England are hoping to pick up valuable three points in the World Cup qualifying game this evening, but will have to do so without the Arsenal academy graduate.

The manager of the North London club Mikel Arteta has started the new season with Riccardo Calafiori as his first-choice left-back, with Lewis-Skelly coming off the bench against Manchester United and Leeds United.

The 18-year-old played 18 minutes against the Red Devils, 26 minutes against Leeds and was left on the bench against Liverpool in the last game before the international break.

Arsenal are back in action when they host Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and it is unlikely Arteta will start the England international ahead of Calafiori.

Lewis-Skelly will get his chances this term, but his lack of regular playing chances so far could be a cause for concern for him ahead of the World Cup next year.

There is stiff competition for a spot in the Three Lions squad, and he risks missing out on the World Cup contingent if he does not play plenty of minutes this term.

Arsenal are featuring in four competitions and Calafiori will not be playing in every one of their games this term, so Lewis-Skelly will have several opportunities to prove himself.

However, the challenge will be whether he can maintain his rhythm and form if he does not get to play games every week.