Declan Rice lavished praise on his Arsenal team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly after the 18-year-old scored to make history on his England debut.
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Lewis-Skelly took just 20 minutes to scorePut in a stellar display throughout the match Rice labelled him as "fearless" after victory over AlbaniaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 18-year-old full-back found the net just 20 minutes into the match against Albania, helping England secure a 2-0 victory at Wembley in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier. It was a routine win for Thomas Tuchel's troops on his managerial debut with Harry Kane sealing the three points with a poacher's finish in the 70th minute.
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Lewis-Skelly, one of Arsenal’s brightest young talents, seized the opportunity when Jude Bellingham played him through on goal. With remarkable composure, the teenager calmly slotted the ball between the legs of the Albanian goalkeeper, sending the Wembley crowd into a frenzy.
WHAT DECLAN RICE SAID
Arsenal midfielder Rice was full of admiration for his young club team-mate, highlighting his maturity and confidence despite his tender age.
“He [Myles Lewis-Skelly] is fearless. He does everything right off the pitch and he is only 18," he told Itv after the match. “I knew he was going to play like that tonight because of the confidence he has. He has kept his feet on the ground and it is only the start for him."
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
At 18 years and 176 days, Lewis-Skelly broke a record that had stood since 2016, surpassing Marcus Rashford, who was 18 years and 209 days old when he scored his first England goal against Australia.