Arsenal and England defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has turned 20, marking another milestone in the rapid rise of one of English football’s emerging young talents.
Born in London on September 26, 2006, Lewis-Skelly joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of eight and progressed through the club’s youth ranks before establishing himself in Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans. England Football lists him as a versatile player capable of operating in both defence and midfield.
His breakthrough came during the 2024/25 campaign, when he made 23 Premier League appearances for Arsenal. He also scored his first senior goal for the club in February 2025 during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Manchester City.
Lewis-Skelly’s performances earned him his first senior England call-up in March 2025 under then-head coach Thomas Tuchel. He subsequently made his international debut against Albania in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, scoring just 20 minutes into the match.
That goal made him England’s youngest-ever goalscoring debutant at the time, with the defender finding the net at the age of 18 years and 176 days. England Football currently lists him with six senior caps and one international goal.
The youngster’s emergence also coincided with a significant tactical development under Arteta. Although he initially progressed through Arsenal’s academy as a midfielder, he was increasingly used at left-back at senior level, demonstrating his ability to contribute in different positions.
His performances during his breakthrough season were rewarded with a new long-term Arsenal contract in June 2025. The Premier League reported that Lewis-Skelly had become an important part of Arsenal’s Champions League campaign and had been nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
His development continued into the 2025/26 season, when Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League title. The club were confirmed as champions on May 19, 2026, after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, leaving Arsenal four points clear with one match remaining.
Lewis-Skelly was part of the Arsenal squad that celebrated the historic achievement. The Premier League noted that the defender was not even born when Arsenal last won the title in the 2003/04 season.
His international progress has also continued. Lewis-Skelly was included in England’s 27-man squad for the September and October 2026 international window as the Three Lions began their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign.
Arsenal marked his 20th birthday on social media with messages celebrating the milestone, while England also sent birthday wishes to the young defender.
For Lewis-Skelly, the birthday comes after an extraordinary two-year period in which he moved from academy prospect to Premier League champion and England international.
At just 20, he has already experienced senior international football, Premier League success and the pressure of playing regularly for one of England’s most prominent clubs. His ability to operate in multiple positions has also given Arteta and Tuchel another versatile option as both Arsenal and England continue to build their squads for the seasons ahead.
