Alan Shearer has identified several prominent England players he believes may miss out on Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, including Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Arsenal F.C. youngster, who scored the first goal of the Tuchel era against Albania in March, has been absent from recent international selections due to limited club minutes. However, he finished the season strongly under Mikel Arteta, featuring in midfield alongside Declan Rice.
Despite his late resurgence, Shearer told Metro that Lewis-Skelly may not have done enough to earn a World Cup place, with Tuchel expected to name his squad on Friday.
He said: “Tuchel has utilized Hall and Livramento in a left-back role as well, so my prediction is that two of the three will be selected.
“Nico O’Reilly is someone I believe will certainly be included, and then it will be a choice between either Livramento, who could play left, or Lewis Hall.”
On Lewis-Skelly, he added: “I think he hasn’t played much football this season; he has just re-entered the squad, into the midfield, and he has been outstanding.
“However, whether that has been sufficient to earn him a spot in the left-back position or midfield, I doubt it.”
Shearer also suggested that Harry Maguire could be left out, noting uncertainty over defensive selections involving Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, John Stones, and Dan Burn.
He said: “Well, I believe Konsa and Guehi are assured selections.
“I think he will include John Stones due to his experience, and he has already expressed his admiration for him.
“So then it would be between Dan and Harry Maguire, and I might guess, and it’s only a guess, that he might opt for Dan. I think just because he’s had him in camp, he knows what he brings to the camp and that’s perhaps why he might edge it.”
Reports also suggest that high-profile players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White could miss out on the tournament squad.
