Myles Lewis-Skelly “didn’t think” he would score on his debut in England’s 2-0 win over Albania in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Lewis-Skelly converted the first of England’s two goals in an eventual 2-0 win over Albania in a dreary contest, as he rifled in from Jude Bellingham’s through-ball pass after overlapping Marcus Rashford on the left flank.
“All I remember is staying wide and rotating with Marcus Rashford,” reflected Lewis-Skelly as he proceeded to speak of Bellingham’s assist. “Jude (Bellingham) loves to stay on the half-turn. It was a great pass from him and the timing was very good.”
On the moment when he scored the opening goal, Lewis-Skelly didn’t think that he would convert the shot on his senior international debut.
“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!”
His first senior international goal came just six months after he made his senior club debut at Arsenal and the 18 year-old was “lost for words,” at a whirlwind six months, as he vowed to stay composed knowing that England have Latvia to come on Monday 24 March.
“This past six months have gone so quickly. I stay in the present and I take every moment as it comes. Honestly, it is incredible. This is a day I’ll never forget.”
New England manager, Thomas Tuchel informed Lewis-Skelly earlier in the morning that he would start at left-back, which left him “excited.”
“I found out in the morning in the meeting and when I saw my name my heart started to pound – I was so excited,” continued the debutant.
“I had so many message before the game. They are all here tonight and it means the world to them.”