Lewis has been named in the first XI for the Euro 2024 qualifying game with North Macedonia, which kicks off at 19:45 (UK) in Tose Proeski Arena.
Lewis – at 18 years and 364 days – is behind only Micah Richards, who played against Netherlands in November 2006 at 18 years and 144 days.
He’s joined by skipper Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish in the starting line-up, with Kalvin Phillips on the bench for the final Group C game as the Three Lions look to end the qualifying campaign on a high.
Lewis was called up by boss Gareth Southgate one week ago after initially being part of Lee Carsley’s Under-21 set-up.
But after impressing Southgate, he will start this evening for the World Cup 2022 quarter-finalists.
Lewis, who turns 19 tomorrow, will look to stake his claim for the tournament in Germany next summer, which takes place 14 June to 14 July.
The Bury-born starlet becomes the 20th youngest player to represent England.
He’s also the 20th different player for England to make their debut aged 18 or under and the first since Jude Bellingham in November 2020 against Republic of Ireland (17y 136d).
In representing the Three Lions tonight, the defender-cum-midfielder also becomes the 33rd different player to earn their first England cap as a Manchester City player and the first since Phil Foden in September 2020 against Iceland.
Congratulations to Rico on this magnificent milestone moment from everyone at Manchester City.
