Myles Lewis-Skelly has been left out of England’s squad for their match against Serbia.
Boss Thomas Tuchel had 24 players at his disposal but, as per UEFA rules, he could only name 23 and the Arsenal full back has been omitted.
The reasons for Lewis-Skelly not being included have not yet been disclosed but Gunners fans will be fearing it is due to injury.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, played the full 90 minutes in England’s 2-0 win over Andorra on Saturday evening and was expected to feature again in the powderkeg atmosphere of Belgrade’s Rajko Mitic Stadium.
The home of Red Star Belgrade is seen as one of the most hostile venues in European football, though it will not be at capacity this evening with 15 per cent of the ground closed as FIFA punishment for racist chanting in a previous game against Andorra.
England manager Tuchel, who is under scrutiny for several sub-par performances, said: ‘The fans, the occasion and opponent will bring out the best from us and I’m looking forward to it. ‘
Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has been dropped from the England squad to face Serbia
Thomas Tuchel’s side have the chance to take a giant step towards next year’s World Cup with a win on Tuesday night
‘Serbia are so talented and determined. That’s the beauty of it and if you want to go to a World Cup and to play for the national team, experiencing this is the beauty.
‘The Champions League is the same. This is one of these nights. Lights are on. Big crowd and an emotional sportive country. And we’re up for it.’
Tuchel’s men sit top of Group I with four wins from four, knowing another victory would put them within touching distance of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Serbia, boasting Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic in attack, are regarded as their strongest rivals in the group and are expected to provide a stern test.
Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a strong debut campaign for Arsenal but has been restricted to just 44 minutes across their first three league games this season, with Mikel Arteta favouring Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori in the full-back roles.
His absence leaves Tuchel turning to other options, with Tino Livramento and Djed Spence among those who could be drafted in.
The England boss has faced criticism for the nature of recent displays, with thousands leaving Villa Park long before the final whistle against Andorra. He insisted, though, that the clash with Serbia represents a far better measure of progress.
