Myles Lewis-Skelly Omitted from England Squad for Serbia Tie as Tuchel Names 23

England left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly was omitted from the national squad for Tuesday's World Cup qualifying match against Serbia, manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed, with the reasons for his exclusion not publicly disclosed.

Tuchel named 24 players for the trip to Belgrade but, under UEFA rules, could only submit a 23-man match squad; Lewis-Skelly, 18, was the player left out. He had played the full 90 minutes in England's 2-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday.

Tuchel did not detail why Lewis-Skelly was not included. Arsenal supporters expressed concern that the omission could be injury-related, although the Football Association and Arsenal had not issued medical updates on the player by kick-off. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has used Lewis-Skelly sparingly this season, with the full back limited to 44 minutes across the club's first three Premier League matches as Arteta has preferred Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori in the wide defensive roles.

England go into the match at the Rajko Mitic Stadium top of Group I with four wins from four. A victory in Belgrade would take Tuchel's side a significant step toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel said he expected a difficult test against a Serbia side boasting forwards Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic, adding that the atmosphere would be intense.

"The fans, the occasion and opponent will bring out the best from us and I'm looking forward to it," Tuchel said. "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."

Belgrade's Red Star stadium is regarded as one of Europe's most hostile venues, though 15 percent of the ground was closed for the match as a FIFA punishment relating to racist chanting during a previous fixture involving Serbia and Andorra. Tuchel has faced scrutiny for England's recent displays, including criticism after the win over Andorra when thousands of spectators left Villa Park before the final whistle. He maintained that the Serbia fixture was a better barometer of progress.

Lewis-Skelly broke into Arsenal's first team last season and enjoyed a strong debut campaign, earning his first senior call-ups. His absence from Tuchel's match squad creates an opening for other options at full back; potential alternatives in the wider defensive positions include Tino Livramento and Djed Spence, both of whom have been discussed by reporters and analysts.

Tuchel's final 23 for the match reflected a balance of experienced internationals and younger players building tournament experience. England's immediate aim is to secure qualification by maintaining their unbeaten start in Group I, while managing squad fitness and form across the international window.

Further updates from the Football Association or Arsenal on Lewis-Skelly's status were not available at the time of publication.