Lewis Hall is set to star for England at the World Cup but has been tipped for huge success
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United celebrates scoring at Chelsea with team-mate Lewis Hall
Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall are expected to go to the World Cup with England(Image: Getty Images)
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Lewis Hall is good enough to play for Real Madrid or any of the top clubs in the world after another sensational season for Newcastle United.
That's the verdict of former Chelsea and Tottenham defender Jason Cundy, who feels the Magpies star is the currently England's best left-back ahead of this summer's World Cup.
Hall's remarkable rise has continued this season after he established himself as a key part of Eddie Howe's side last term, following a tough season on loan from Chelsea. He made the move permanent in a £35m deal in 2024, and although still only 21-years-old, he has become one of Newcastle's most reliable first-team stars.
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Speaking on talkSPORT with Jamie O'Hara, Cundy revealed his admiration for the United star, and while Newcastle fans won't want to see him linked with other clubs, he insists he can play anywhere in the world.
When asked whether Hall would be England's starting left-back at the World Cup, Cundy said: "I would say so, although Nico O'Reilly has had a brilliant weekend, of course.
"The thing about them, is they're both actually midfielders. Lewis Hall started at Chelsea as a midfielder. I think consistently Hall has been, the best English left-back in the country. But O'Reilly ain't far behind him, and he has had a brilliant season.
"He [Hall] is top drawer. All over the pitch, he attacks, he knows his positional sense, his weight of cross, his pass, his energy levels. He knows when to support the wide-man, knows when to underlap, overlap. He's a brilliant player.
"From when I saw him at Chelsea to what he is now, he is . . . I think he could actually move to a top five or six club in the world. I think he's got that in him. I'm not joking, he could be at Real Madrid.
"It is a big statement, but I've seen him develop and Newcastle fans won't thank me for saying this, but he really is that good. You think about other left-backs around the world. . . . we will see this summer where he really is, but he is top, top drawer."
United head coach Howe is a big fan of Hall, of course, and spoke earlier this month of his impressive development since arriving on Tyneside.
"He has done incredibly well. It was a steep learning curve when he first come in, having left his family home and all the challenges with someone so young.
"You forget how young he is at times. He is very quiet. He had to do a lot of individual work to become the player he is today. He is definitely on the right track and beginning to find his best form again. He is a very exciting player."
It is a feeling that is reciprocated too. Hall, speaking at St George's Park this week while on international duty, was glowing in his praise for Howe, insisting the Newcastle boss is responsible for him being the player he is today.
“He’s been a massive help for me," Hall said. "He’s done so much to help me be in the position I am now. He’s helped me a lot off the pitch in ways to be around the training ground, and how to interact with all the lads.
“And then on the pitch, he’s showed a lot of belief in me, and taught me a lot about the defensive side of my game, which was the main area I needed to improve when I first joined.
“He spent a lot of time staying behind after training, working with me. I’m always grateful for that. Top coach.”
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