The cricket-loving Newcastle United defender is desperate to be otherwise engaged with football at the World Cup rather than turning out as an all-rounder for his boyhood club in Berkshire
England's Lewis Hall during a press conference at St George's Park, Burton upon Trent.
Lewis Hall is hoping to win a third cap when England take on Uruguay at Wembley(Image: PA)
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His player profile on the club website is very mildly impressive. 'All rounder. Left hander. Medium paced in-swingers. Likes a cover drive. Loves cricket and has been known to enjoy playing football too.'
Oh, and then there is his solitary honour. 'Midweek XI Batting - 2019.' Alas, there is every chance Binfield Cricket Club, in Berkshire, will have to cope without Lewis Hall this summer.
He is going to be busy with the day job. But the Newcastle United left-back remains a grounded sort of professional footballer.
“Although I’m playing at the level I am now with my football, I’m always the same person,” he says. “So, if I was playing cricket at eight years old, even though I’m playing football now, I don’t see a reason to stop.
"I enjoy spending time with my mates. I wouldn’t say I’m great! A decent-enough village player. I was a bit of an all-rounder when I was younger. Now, I’m more of a batsman.
“Actually, I didn’t play last summer because I was going through my injury and was so focused on that. And I’m hoping I don’t get to play any cricket this summer either!
“I always played throughout my childhood, like a lot of my friends did. It’s always been a good social thing for me.”
Lewis Hall of England during a training session at St Georges Park on March 24, 2026 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.
Lewis Hall insists he will have a positive attitude on and off the pitch with England(Image: Getty Images)
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It is fair to say Hall is a level-headed young man. And he is not putting too much pressure on himself in the last camp before Thomas Tuchel - who gave Hall his club debut at Chelsea - selects his World Cup squad.
He explains: “There are two ways you can look at it. It can be quite nerve-wracking knowing that this is the last opportunity to maybe impress.
“But at the same time, I think you play so many games in the season, I think they all know the way that you like to play. And I think this is just another chance for you to show not only what you can do on the pitch, but what you’re like off the pitch.
Thomas Tuchel laughs as he watches a game
Thomas Tuchel gave a 17-year-old Lewis Hall his senior club debut at Chelsea(Image: Daniel Weir/Sports Press Photo/Shutterstock)
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“I think he’s always been keen on making sure that everyone in the group has their part to play off the pitch. So I’m just looking to be as happy as possible and enjoy my football here. Hopefully, it will put me in a good position.”
Such has been Hall’s form for Newcastle this season, most observers are certain it will put him in a good position. And you can be sure if he does make it to the World Cup, the 21-year-old cricket-lover will be going there with a positive attitude.
Asked for his view on Bazball, he smiles: “I like it - it’s entertaining! It’s a good one in terms of having no fear. That’s important when you want to take the game to the opposition. I’m not sure the staff here will think of it in that way, but it’s a good mentality to have.”
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