Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Fri 22 May 2026 11:38, UK

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Lewis Hall has been inexplicably left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup, despite a strong season for Newcastle United.

The 21-year-old had looked a dead certainty for the squad, with the competition at left-back lacking in quality.

Despite a difficult season for Newcastle, Hall has been a shining light throughout, excelling both defensively and when going forward.

The defender was even called up for March’s friendlies and played in both games, seemingly confirming that he would be on the plane to North America this summer.

But Hall’s Newcastle form has clearly been ignored, with Tuchel’s decisions to be thoroughly examined if England are not successful.

The stats behind Lewis Hall’s season amid England snub

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Hall is attracting high-profile interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

Newcastle have the defender under contract until 2029 and will not be concerned, but the calibre of such interest is a credit to how strong a season he has enjoyed.

The left-back has constantly been among the Magpies’ few standout players, and is considered among the brightest defensive talents in the country.

But clearly, Tuchel is unimpressed with Hall, remarkably opting for his Newcastle teammates Dan Burn and Tino Livramento.

The stats do not back up the German’s decision. While not a completely fair comparison, given the minutes Burn has spent in the centre of defence this season, he is decimated statistically by his teammate.

Hall offers far more on the attacking side of the game, completing 1.55 successful dribbles per 90 compared to the 34-year-old’s 0.09, and creates far more chances.

But there is no competition on the defensive side, either. While Burn completes more clearances, Hall offers 1.29 tackles per 90 to his 1.06, 0.47 blocks to his 0.13 and 1.12 interceptions to his 0.85.

In the eyes of Newcastle fans, there is no comparison. That is what has made the 21-year-old’s snub so difficult to understand.

Eddie Howe explains similar decision

Interestingly, Eddie Howe also opted for Burn over Hall when Newcastle travelled to Arsenal at the end of April.

Asked about the decision, he said: “It’s always a difficult decision because Lewis is an outstanding player and you never for any second doubt his qualities and what he can bring to the team, but I felt today for a number of reasons that Dan was the right pick in terms of height and physicality and dealing with Arsenal’s threats.

“Dan’s never let us down in that position. He plays it very differently to Lewis. But I thought that was the right call for this game.”

Ultimately, Newcastle lost the game 1-0, but not due to Burn’s fault. But the difference between that call and Tuchel’s one is obvious.

The Magpies arrived at the Emirates Stadium as massive underdogs, knowing they would be under the cosh. England, on the other hand, should be hoping to dominate every game.