Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly has opened up the Buddhist concept that helps him keep a clear head.
Turning 20 on Saturday, Lewis-Skelly has built reputation for an ice-cool composure – and the England international was recently quizzed on whether the Arsenal defender has a set routine for tackling big-match nerves.
‘There’s a Buddhist concept; it’s about the monkey mind,’ he told the Men In Blazers media network. ‘It’s practically about the restless mind, how you can jump from concern to concern.’
‘So whenever I feel a type of weight, for me it’s important to bring my nervous system down and to bring stillness back to my mind, to be calm. Whether it is through breathing techniques, music or talking with other people; I just feel like it is important I always remain calm.’
Lewis-Skelly – who was all smiles in a white jumper and dark-framed glasses as he reported for England duty at St George’s Park – also revealed he is a strong believer in practising mindfulness, and values having a good circle around him.
‘It is definitely the people around me that help me with these types of principles and concepts,’ he said. ‘But it just comes from practising mindfulness, because I want to touch on how important the mind is.’
Myles Lewis-Skelly reported for England duty in a smart white jumper
… and trains with England at St George’s Park ahead of four Nations League clashes
He also opened up on filling a journal each morning and evening.
‘Journaling helps me to understand what brings me joy, what brings me happiness, what takes away my joy, what takes away my happiness,’ he added. ‘It just allows me to be more intentional about what I am thinking. It does translate on the pitch.’
Alongside Ezri Konsa, Bukayo Saka, and Eberechi Eze, Lewis-Skelly is among the four Arsenal players named in the England squad for the upcoming international friendlies.
The Arsenal left-back will see familiar faces as world champions Spain have called up David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi for this week’s heavyweight clash at Wembley.
With manager Thomas Tuchel adding him to the England squad as a midfielder, there were no surprises when he revealed his preferred position.
‘I am a midfielder,’ he said. ‘But, at the end of the day, it is all down to the team’s needs. No player, no individual, is bigger than the team’s goal. Whatever I have to do to help the team, I will do it.’
The 19-year-old last played for England in October 2025 against Latvia in a World Cup qualifier.
Lewis-Skelly was just eight when he first arrived at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy. When asked if he had the chance to tell his younger self what it really takes to make it, he said: ‘You just have to enjoy what you do. You can’t lose that love. You can’t lose that passion, that desire for what you do, because once that love is out of the window, you may as well choose a new profession. Stay loving and stay true to your passion.’
