Jack Wilshere understands what it’s like to be a young sensation at Arsenal and debut for England at 18.
He believes Myles Lewis-Skelly is on a similar path and could potentially become a World Cup star.
The talented Arsenal left-back will still be a teenager during next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Wilshere is confident that Lewis-Skelly possesses the skill and mental strength to quickly become a vital player, even for a high-profile manager.
England’s new manager conducted his first training session at St George’s Park yesterday in preparation for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Given England’s current issues at left-back, Lewis-Skelly has a great opportunity to debut in that game or against Latvia on Monday.
The young player featured for Wilshere when Arsenal’s Under-18s reached the FA Youth Cup final two years prior, alongside Ethan Nwaneri, 17.
Wilshere, 33, doesn’t see it as an issue for a rising star to bypass the England Under-21s and directly join the senior squad.
He explained, “With Myles, it’s not about whether he’s too young.”
“He simply wants to be part of a team, wants to take responsibility, and has a strong family support system – which is also crucial. He would be capable of playing at the World Cup.”
“I recall my own progression; I was in Arsenal’s first team, and then I received an England U19s call-up.
“To be clear, at that time, I was just pleased to represent my country and wasn’t thinking about being ready for the senior team.”
“But I was transitioning from training with the first team, playing in the Champions League and Premier League, to then playing for the U19s.”
“However, we, as a nation, can be bolder, as Jude Bellingham has demonstrated by quickly moving into the senior team.”
Wilshere – who debuted for England against Hungary in 2010 – acknowledged that Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri stood out during his time coaching Arsenal’s youth team.
He departed in October to become Norwich’s first-team coach.
Wilshere, who is pursuing his UEFA Pro Licence at St George’s Park with the FA, stated, “In Under-15s, U16s, and U18s football, those two consistently had the ability to create something, but they are very different individuals.”
“Myles is more of a natural leader and aims to include everyone.”
“Ethan is incredibly driven and asks, ‘What do I need to do?’ He would actively seek advice and feedback from coaches.”
“In today’s world, with social media, players face additional distractions.”
“It’s more challenging, and you witness players getting sidetracked by it – but Ethan and Myles were never like that.”
Wilshere earned 34 caps for England but could have had many more if not for injuries.
He is now enjoying coaching, inspired by former Arsenal teammate Mikel Arteta when he became the Gunners’ manager.
Wilshere, now working alongside Johannes Hoff Thorup at Norwich, said, “I was apprehensive when I started my coaching career.”
“Then I observed Mikel coaching, and I had never seen anyone coach in that manner. Watching him motivated me to pursue it. I aspire to be a head coach.”
“I’m in a positive environment at Norwich with a head coach who views the game very similarly to me.”
However, Wilshere believes football is becoming too rigid, with players not encouraged to express their individuality.
He said, “I was taught to play in a specific style.”
“Arsène Wenger delegated considerable responsibility, and the academy mirrored the first team’s approach.”
“But it wasn’t, ‘This is how we play, this is what you must do.’ It was more like, ‘Your own understanding of the game, your own intuition, will generate opportunities for you.’”
“Now, everyone plays in a similar manner. We’ll see if the game evolves to a point where players need to take more initiative and gain more freedom, as it’s currently very structured.”
Marcus Bellamy