New Delhi: England will take the field against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. Eight key players will be missing due to withdrawal from the international break. Fatigue is a big issue for the team, which Lee Carsley will leave behind for the incoming permanent coach, Thomas Tuchel.
However, when Tuchel finally takes charge of the side, he would like the left-back situation to be solved. England failed to win in their second consecutive Euro final in the summer. Throughout the campaign, the left-back situation was never really solved. Luke Shaw never achieved full fitness, and the right-footed Kieran Trippier never looked comfortable in the position.
Shaw could have been a great left-back in the Ashley Cole period, but his injuries have repeatedly made him unreliable for selection, and he has only made 34 appearances for England. Carsley, during his short term, faced the same as his predecessor, Gareth Southgate. During England’s win against Finland last month, Carsley even tried Tren Alexander-Arnold on the left.
Can Lewis Hall solve’s Englands left-back woes?
Eddie Howe on Lewis Hall’s England call-up:
“He has a had a really good start to the season. Consistent and really mature displays. There is still a lot to come from him, he is adding layers to his game all the time. It’s a big achievement and we are delighted for him.” pic.twitter.com/E4AhG5N8cr
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 8, 2024
This time around, the Three Lions have a player who can answer the problems at left-back. Lewis Hall has been called to the senior team for the first time after his exploits at Newcastle. The 20-year-old made everyone’s head turn when he left Bukayo Saka stunned during Newcastle’s win over Arsenal.
Hall had been one of the best central midfielders in Chelsea’s academy, and Tuchel played a pivotal role in his career, giving him his debut in an FA Cup tie against Chesterfield in January 2022. Hall has said that he has grown as a player since and has established himself as the first-choice left-back in Newcastle’s squad.
During a media interaction before joining the English team, Hall reminisced about his time playing under Tuchel at Chelsea. He noted that he had never tried that position when he played as the centre-back. Hall feels that one of the primary reasons Tuchel played him in that position was his confidence on the ball.
Hall was the youngest player to start for Chelsea at the FA Cup, and his good performance he credits a lot to the welcoming atmosphere Tuchel and his staff had given him. Hall even enjoyed the German coach’s training session, which involved “a lot possession.” A lot of his early years made him the player he is.
Lewis Hall’s initial days with Newcastle
Love that mindset, Lewis! 🧠💯
Lewis Hall talks us through his aims and ambitions for next season after his permanent switch this summer. pic.twitter.com/5Vkbulqk1W
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 21, 2024
He is inclined towards attacking play, with a tendency to be adventurous and creative. Hall, of course, had to learn a great deal about intensity and the defensive side of the game when he joined Newcastle in the summer of 2023, initially as a loanee. Joining the side, he was given a lot less time of play, being taken off at half-time in three of his first games for Eddie Howe’s team.
It was during this time that Howe and his staff worked on his defensive side of the game. By the end of the season, he had improved himself by miles. Being on the sidelines made him much stronger mentally. Taking inspiration from Kevin De Bruyne and Hatem Ben Arfa, whom he considers his heroes, he started putting in the extra effort despite admitting to feeling frustrated on occasions.
Hall showed signs of resilience, and Howe gave him six consecutive starts. He soon became the most important part of Howe’s defence. This season, he has played 14 across the competition. While he is confident in his midfield performance, Hall noted that he was better as a left-back. At Newcastle, he is highly involved as a full-back, creating chances, building from the back, and getting into the final third.
What Trippier couldn’t do was make fast moves and good passing avenues. That is where Hall will be able to up England’s game and aid in distribution. If he debuts against Greece, he believes he will be a bunch of nerves. For England, Hall needs to be on his best form, as they may have finally found a left-footed left-back.
Lewis Hall has grown as a player since coming to Newcastle and could solve England’s woes at left-back. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
