Newcastle United star Lewis Hall has received at least some backing from an England great in the shape of Ashley Cole as he looks to claim a starting spot ahead of the World Cup.
Despite what has been an arduous season for Newcastle United as a whole, Hall has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world.
Club success, however, has not yet translated itself into much international recognition. While Hall played for England in both friendlies over the international break, he did not start either game.
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He appears to be locked in a battle with Djed Spence and Nico O’Reilly of Tottenham and Manchester City respectively for a starting berth at left-back ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
An all-time England great in Cole, however, thinks the Newcastle star has been brilliant.
Cole praises Hall for Newcastle United form
When discussing the left-back debate on The Good, The Bad and The Football, Cole was asked about it all.
“Would you play him [O’Reilly] at left-back?” Cole was asked.
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He replied: “Yeah, just it depends. I think it depends on how you want your full-back to play in that position. But Lewis Hall has been unbelievable.”
Cole is right, all of the options offer something different. O’Reilly has enjoyed a fine season for City and his goal threat was evident when he bagged a brace in their Carabao Cup final over Arsenal.
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Hall has indeed been a shining light for Newcastle during a very difficult season for the club.
On form, he should surely be picked at left-back. As good as Spence and O’Reilly are, they are not naturals in that particular role.
Still, the fact he was overlooked from the start for games against Uruguay and Japan was a slight concern from Hall’s perspective.
Lewis Hall reacts during England's international friendly against Japan.
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Though it currently seems as if he will indeed go to the World Cup, he has not been given a chance to really nail down that starting berth.
After Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the World Cup, England play against New Zealand and Costa Rica out in the United States just a few days before their tournament campaign actually starts.
That offers little time for experimentation, meaning all of the left-backs – Hall included – face a battle to impress in a very short amount of time.
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