Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly has revealed that he employs Buddhist mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises to manage his pre-match nerves. The 19-year-old, who has enjoyed an impressive run this season, returned to the England squad ahead of Saturday’s UEFA Nations League clash with reigning world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium.
Lewis-Skelly joined the national team yesterday as they prepare for a busy international schedule, which also includes away fixtures against the Czech Republic and Croatia, followed by a home match against the Czechs. The midfielder is aiming to earn his first England cap in nearly a year, having last appeared for the Three Lions during a 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Latvia in October 2025.
Speaking to the Men in Blazers Media Network, Lewis-Skelly detailed how he uses concepts derived from Buddhism to calm his mind and reduce anxiety. He highlighted the idea of the “monkey mind,” a term referring to the restless and unsettled nature of human thought, explaining the importance of achieving mental stillness. To do so, he employs methods such as focused breathing, listening to music, and engaging in conversations with those around him.
“I just feel like it is important I always remain calm,” Lewis-Skelly said. “It is definitely the people around me that help me with these types of principles and concepts. But it just comes from practicing mindfulness, because I want to touch on how important the mind is. It is a muscle, so you have to train it.”
In addition to mindfulness, the Arsenal midfielder practices journaling, a technique also used by his club manager, Mikel Arteta. Lewis-Skelly described how writing down his thoughts helps him track what influences his emotions, enabling him to be more intentional about his mentality both on and off the pitch. “Journaling helps me to understand what brings me joy, what brings me happiness, what takes away my joy, what takes away my happiness. It just allows me to be more intentional about what I am thinking. It does translate on the pitch,” he said.
Lewis-Skelly first broke into the Arsenal senior team as a left-back and made his England debut in that position in March 2025. However, following a strong finish to last season, Arteta transitioned him to his favored midfield role. England head coach Thomas Tuchel is expected to deploy him in central midfield during this international window. When asked about his preferred position, Lewis-Skelly emphasized his adaptability and commitment to the team’s objectives: “I am a midfielder. But 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.”
With 70 Premier League appearances already to his name, the young midfielder’s continued development and mental approach could prove vital for both Arsenal and England as they navigate a demanding period of fixtures.