Myles Lewis-Skelly etched his name into England’s footballing annals on Friday night, scoring on his international debut to help the Three Lions secure a 2-0 victory over Albania in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier. The 18-year-old Arsenal starlet became the youngest player to score on his senior England debut, breaking a record previously set by Marcus Rashford, and provided a dazzling highlight in Thomas Tuchel’s first match as England manager.
The breakthrough moment came in the 20th minute at Wembley Stadium, where a capacity crowd witnessed Lewis-Skelly’s composure under pressure. Jude Bellingham, pulling the strings in midfield, delivered a perfectly weighted through ball that sliced through Albania’s defense. Lewis-Skelly, starting at left-back, darted into the box, shrugged off a challenge from Naser Aliji, and coolly slotted the ball through goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha’s legs. The strike sparked jubilant scenes as the teenager celebrated his dream start, a beaming smile lighting up his face as teammates mobbed him in the corner.
At 18 years and 176 days, Lewis-Skelly eclipsed Rashford’s mark (18 years and 241 days) to claim the title of England’s youngest debutant goalscorer. The goal was more than just a statistic—it was a statement of intent from a player enjoying a meteoric rise. Having broken into Arsenal’s first team this season, Lewis-Skelly’s fearless performance against Albania showcased the dynamism and technical ability that have made him one of English football’s brightest prospects.
“I can’t believe it, to be honest,” Lewis-Skelly said post-match, still visibly emotional. “To score on my debut at Wembley, with this crowd, for England—it’s a dream come true. Jude’s pass was unreal, and I just tried to stay calm and finish it.”
Tuchel, who handed Lewis-Skelly his debut alongside Newcastle’s Dan Burn, was effusive in his praise. “He’s an amazing player and an amazing personality,” the German coach told ITV. “He came into camp and showed straight away how easy it is to fall in love with him. It’s well deserved.” Declan Rice, a teammate at both club and country, added, “He’s fearless. He’s only 18, but he does everything right. I knew he’d play like that tonight because of the confidence he has.”
The goal set the tone for England’s dominance, though the match wasn’t without its challenges. Albania, content to sit deep in a 4-5-1 shape, frustrated England’s attacking rhythm for long spells. Despite chances for Bellingham and Harry Kane—who saw a header saved and a follow-up blocked—England couldn’t extend their lead before halftime. Burn came agonizingly close to marking his own debut with a goal, his towering header crashing off the crossbar, but the hosts went into the break with a slender 1-0 advantage.
The second half saw Albania grow bolder, with substitute Armando Broja testing England’s resolve. The Chelsea loanee nearly exploited a rare lapse from Burn, only for Ezri Konsa to intervene with a crucial tackle. England’s response came in the 77th minute, when Kane delivered a moment of trademark brilliance. Receiving a pinpoint cross from Rice, the captain controlled the ball with a deft touch before curling a low shot into the far corner for his 70th international goal, sealing the win and calming any late nerves.
Lewis-Skelly’s stats from the night underscored his impact beyond the goal: 100% duel success (3/3), 93% pass accuracy (69/74), 9 passes into the final third, and 7 ball recoveries. His energy on the left flank provided a constant outlet, blending defensive solidity with attacking verve.