England's lackluster 0-0 draw against Ghana in Foxborough has reignited the debate over Newcastle United's Lewis Hall being left out of the World Cup squad, with the Magpies suspecting foul play after stories linking the full-back with Manchester United emerged.
Hall's Omission Under Scrutiny
Thomas Tuchel's decision to leave Hall at home while England struggled for creativity on the left flank has been a controversial topic. Hall, who was overlooked for the World Cup party, watched as Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon failed to produce a cutting edge against a Ghana side ranked 65th in FIFA's Coca-Cola rankings.
Newcastle were furious with reports linking Hall to Manchester United, believing someone was trying to stir tension between Eddie Howe and the full-back. While no approach or bid has been made, there is thought to be substance to United's interest. Newcastle asked for a retraction of the stories.
Spence and Gordon Struggle
Spence, who started ahead of Nico O'Reilly, was tasked by Tuchel to be "a bit more defensive and faster, more defensive to control the counter-attacks." He started well, linking up with Declan Rice, but fizzled out. By the midway point of the first half, Spence had 18 touches down the left without any end product.
Gordon had England's first effort on target on 57 minutes, but it was easily gathered by Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. The duo were hauled off after 65 minutes, replaced by O'Reilly and Bukayo Saka, with Saka moving to the right and Noni Madueke switching to the left.
Tuchel's Frustration Boils Over
Tuchel's frustration with the left-side pairing became clear as he berated them and ordered substitutes to warm up. Madueke lasted only 18 minutes before being replaced by Marcus Rashford as Tuchel turned to Plan C.
England piled on pressure late but could not find a way past the Ghana keeper, with O'Reilly's header hitting the woodwork. Boos cascaded down from the stands during the final hydration break.
Hall's Absence Felt
Whether Hall's presence would have made a difference is debatable, but he would not have done Tuchel's side any harm. Hall, who reports back to pre-season training on July 13, will have watched England's left-sided options struggle and wonder what might have been.
