Lewis Hall has described his Newcastle United season as "weird" after helping England secure a win over Croatia at Wembley, where he reunited with several former Toon team-mates.
The 22-year-old, who impressed Thomas Tuchel during the international break, started in a back four alongside Dan Burn, with Elliot Anderson and Anthony Gordon also featuring for the Three Lions. Hall's performance in the UEFA Nations League clash earned him man of the match recognition from some observers.
Newcastle reunion at Wembley
Speaking after collecting his eighth England cap, Hall told Chronicle Live: "It was great to be alongside Dan Burn, and having Anthony Gordon on the left with Elliot Anderson in midfield - it was like a Newcastle reunion. It was nice to be part of that."
He added: "I am really happy for Dan Burn, who is a very experienced player in his own right. I know how much it means to him to play for England. To share the pitch with him again was special."
Weird season at St James' Park
Reflecting on his club form under Matthias Jaissle, Hall said: "Going on to Newcastle, it has been a weird season. We have shown in spells what a great team we can be. We have a young squad, but it's only going to get better and better."
He continued: "I think it's difficult, the situation we are in at the minute, but we are working hard in training and really looking forward to what's coming up."
Looking ahead to Spain
Hall now faces a test against Spain on Sunday as Group A3 concludes, with England eyeing top spot. He is set to go head-to-head with Lamine Yamal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, having marked the Spain star out of the game at St James' Park during the last 16 first leg last season.
On facing Yamal again, Hall said: "You want to play against the best players and the best teams. And with the disappointment of the World Cup, even though I wasn't there, speaking as a fan I still felt that disappointment. What better opportunity to take the things we didn't do against Croatia into that game against Spain."
Hall is aware of competition for his place, with Inter Milan's Djed Spence and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly both pushing for selection. Asked if he felt he could make the left-back spot his own for England, he said: "I'd like to think so. I just focus on myself and do what I can do and my own performances on the pitch."
Hall's appearance came on a night when Harry Kane made England history by reaching 126 caps, moving past Peter Shilton. Hall praised Kane, saying: "He is really inspirational, not just his footballing ability but how he is as a person. The hard work and dedication we see every day."
He added: "I always learn from every game I play. Every training session too. I never take it for granted; it is a privilege to be playing not just for England but with some of the best players in the world."
