England manager Thomas Tuchel is still searching for his first-choice left-back ahead of the World Cup campaign, with Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall emerging as a surprise contender for a call-up. The 21-year-old, who has earned two caps for the Three Lions, is being tipped to make the squad after a strong season with the Magpies.
Micah Richards' Strong Endorsement
Former England defender Micah Richards has publicly advocated for Hall to start at left-back in the upcoming World Cup. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards praised Hall's versatility and recent performances.
"Lewis Hall has to start for England, he's absolutely amazing," Richards declared. "To go from midfield to left-back, his spatial awareness, his timing of his challenges, he's good on the ball, got a good delivery, he's good at everything. His performances over the last two months have been outstanding. He's by far the best."
Hall's International Experience and Recent Form
Hall has already gained valuable international experience with two senior caps. He started in England's 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League in 2024 under Lee Carsley and played 45 minutes in the 3-0 win against Greece that same week.
Injuries prevented him from receiving a call-up from Tuchel in 2025, forcing him to miss the final three months of last season. However, this campaign has seen a remarkable resurgence. Hall has featured 31 times for Newcastle United, just three appearances shy of his total from the entire previous season.
His standout performance in Newcastle's 3-1 FA Cup win against Aston Villa particularly caught the attention of pundits and fans alike, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking contributions from the left flank.
The Competitive Left-Back Position
The left-back position remains one of the most contested spots in Tuchel's England squad. Several players have been utilized in the role during Tuchel's tenure, including:
- Myles Lewis-Skelly
- Dan Burn
- Djed Spence
- Nico O'Reilly
Manchester United's Luke Shaw has also emerged as a strong candidate following impressive displays this season, adding to the competitive environment. England enters the World Cup in North America this summer as one of the tournament favorites, making defensive selections particularly crucial.
Hall's World Cup Ambitions
Following his absence from England's Under-21s European Championship triumph, Hall spoke candidly about his World Cup aspirations in an interview with the Daily Mail towards the end of last year.
"I've obviously had my taste of the senior camp before, so I know sort of how it felt to be there," Hall said. "It's definitely a big goal of mine [the World Cup], and it's something that I'd love to do. By the time the World Cup comes about I'll be 21, so, being able to go to a World Cup at 21 is obviously a big achievement in my eyes and it's something that I would be so proud of myself to do. Yeah, that's obviously a big aim for me."
As Tuchel finalizes his squad selections in the coming months, Hall's combination of youth, recent club form, and international experience makes him a compelling option for the left-back position. His ability to transition from midfield to defense, coupled with Richards' strong endorsement, has positioned him as a potential surprise inclusion in England's World Cup plans.
