Rico Lewis poised to make full England international debut in Euro 2024 qualifier

Manchester City’s versatile rising star Rico Lewis is set to earn his full international debut for England on Monday night, according to reports.

The 18-year-old has witnessed a meteoric rise in the senior game since first breaking into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad on a regular basis following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, displacing mainstay option Joao Cancelo and ultimately leading to the Portugal international’s exit.

Rico Lewis has operated in a multitude of positions under Manchester City’s Catalan coach, appearing as a left-back in some contests, a traditional right-back, an inverted full-back option sitting in defensive midfield, and most recently as an attacking midfield name.

That versatility, paired with his development under Pep Guardiola over the last 12 months, may now have reached the pinnacle in his career so far, as Rico Lewis is reportedly set for his crowning moment in senior international football.

That is according to the information of MailSport’s Sam Brookes, who reports that Rico Lewis is set to be handed his full international debut for England’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia on Monday night.

Gareth Southgate does not have a recognised left-back in his Three Lions squad for the contest after Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier withdrew on Sunday due to a ‘personal matter’, with the England boss now ‘likely’ to turn to Manchester City’s Lewis as an alternative option.

Should Rico Lewis make his senior international debut on Monday night, the Manchester City starlet would become England’s 20th-youngest debutant, following on from a sensational 12 months that has seen him win a historic Treble and UEFA Super Cup in the process.

Lewis’ sharp rise in the Manchester City first-team was rewarded by decision makers at the Etihad Stadium in August, with the Academy graduate putting pen-to-paper on a new and improved deal running until the summer of 2028.

Upon signing his new deal, Rico Lewis told official channels, “An unbelievable year and now to sign this contract is a dream come true. As a Manchester City fan I can remember watching us win trophies when I was young and it’s the only place I’ve wanted to be.”

He continued, “To know I’m going to be here until 2028 is fantastic and I can’t wait. It’s a chance to live my dream, work as hard as I can to get better and do more for Manchester City. I’m really proud.

“I’ve been given the chance to play in a team that’s won the Treble, a new contract at the club I love and I’ve been at my whole life.”