Ex-Spurs man says Arsenal starlet is England's "future" as Thomas Tuchel prepares for first squad selection

England manager Thomas Tuchel is preparing for his first squad selection ahead of the next international break which comes in March. The German has been spotted around the grounds over the past couple of months assessing all his options for the England team, with several players from both Arsenal and Tottenham vying for a place.

The Gunners are second in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Liverpool, after Mikel Arteta’s side won 2-0 against Leicester City at the weekend. Meanwhile, Tottenham got back to winning ways at home this past weekend, beating Manchester United 1-0 to boost their league position up to 12th in the table.

Jamie O’Hara picks Arsenal star over Tottenham player of the match

During their win against Manchester United, Spurs had several players who impressed including goal-scorer James Maddison, however the player of the match was defender Djed Spence. Spence played at the left-back position despite being more comfortable on the right, but impressed both defensively and in attacking areas.

His form has been good recently, but former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara still believes that Spence could be beaten to a spot in Tuchel’s England team by Arsenal starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly.

He said on TalkSPORT: “I think Lewis-Skelly is the future left back for England. There’s a lot of good players who, all of a sudden look like they could get into that England squad and do a job.

“I like Djed Spence, I think he’s probably not far off a call-up. Left-back has been a massive issue for England, but it’s looking like it might be Lewis-Skelly. They’ve got some good players coming through as usual at Arsenal. I’d love to see Djed Spence in there but I just don’t know if he would be.”

Lewis-Skelly has become Arteta’s first choice at left-back, and he cemented his place by scoring in the Gunners’ 5-1 win against Manchester City earlier in the month. The 18-year-old has made 11 Premier League appearances so far this season for the Gunners.

Could Ethan Nwaneri make the England squad too?

Lewis-Skelly isn’t the only Arsenal youngster to impress in recent weeks, as 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has also been superb for Arteta’s side this season.

The winger has scored three goals and contributed one assist in 15 Premier League appearances this season. Due to the recent injuries to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, Nwaneri is getting an extended run in Arsenal’s starting XI.

He assisted Mikel Merino’s first goal during the 2-0 win against Leicester this past weekend with a superb ball into the box. Nwaneri is only getting better, and he could, much like Lewis-Skelly, see his first England call-up next month under Thomas Tuchel.

However, there is far more competition for places at the winger position with the likes of Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White, Morgan Rodgers and more all vying for a spot on the wing.