Is Lewis Hall the answer for Thomas Tuchel and England?
The search for a quality left-back to help the Three Lions succeed.
Thomas Tuchel shocked many people when he left Lewis Hall out of his World Cup squad.
However, the Newcastle United star has started the last three England matches, three victories and 12 goals scored, plus the small matter of three clean sheets as well.
It could have been four victories as well these past two weeks, as England threw away the chance of a win against Spain due to woeful defending at the back, which included gifted goals from Guehi and O’Reilly, the latter who played left-back in that match.
Now the main man at BBC Sport, Chief football writer Phil McNulty, has been considering the case of Lewis Hall to be the undisputed first choice England left-back for Thomas Tuchel.
The BBC Sport main man saying: “Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall emerged as one of the big winners from England’s opening round of Nations League matches, making a strong case to become Tuchel’s long-term left-back. Hall stepped in for three matches after Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, first choice at the World Cup and for the opening game against Spain, returned to his club with an injury. It allowed Hall, who has just signed a new contract tying him to Newcastle until 2031, the opportunity to stake his claim – and he did so in style.”
McNulty going on to add: “The 22-year-old impressed in both games against Czech Republic and also in the rout in Croatia, with one key factor sure to play out in his favour. Hall’s left-flank partnership with former Newcastle United team-mate Gordon looked a natural fit, the pair working in tandem to perfection in a manner that will give Tuchel serious food for thought. O’Reilly has done nothing wrong, but questions remain as to whether he is a natural left-back or simply a converted midfield player. Hall looked the part in every respect. He has made it difficult for Tuchel to leave him out, the link with Gordon only adding to the attraction for England’s head coach.”
I think the simple fact is that Lewis Hall is easily the best left-back that England have.
He is arguably the very best in the Premier League.
I would be amazed if Thomas Tuchel doesn’t select him in November’s final two Nations League matches at home to Croatia and away against Spain.