Lewis Hall using World Cup disappointment as motivation after England recall

Lewis Hall has revealed that he is using the disappointment of missing the World Cup to fuel his attempt to establish himself in the England squad.

The Newcastle United defender was overlooked for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where England eventually finished third after beating France in the bronze-medal match.

Hall has responded impressively at club level and was recalled by manager Thomas Tuchel for England’s opening Nations League fixtures of the new campaign.

The 22-year-old admitted his World Cup omission hurt but believes channelling that frustration positively can help him force his way into Tuchel’s long-term plans.

“Yeah, I think it’s important to use that,” Hall said. “Obviously, you don’t want to get too worked up on it and too down about it, because that can also come across quite negatively.”

Hall said that every player overlooked in the summer would be determined to prove they deserved another opportunity.

“When you’re not in the squad, you’ve got to do what you can to try and take it off other people,” he added.

“I think that’s what everyone describes as healthy competition, and that’s important to pushing the team forward and the nation forward.”

Hall has four senior England caps and is now back in contention after Tuchel named him among the defenders for the four-game international window.

His opportunity could arrive against Czechia in Prague on Tuesday, particularly after Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly missed England training on Monday.

Hall has also strengthened his position at Newcastle after signing a new long-term contract earlier this month.

The former Chelsea youngster has made 107 appearances for Newcastle since initially joining on loan in 2023. He featured in every round before the final during their successful 2024/25 League Cup campaign.

He was linked with Manchester United during the summer before committing his future to Newcastle. His performances subsequently earned him another England opportunity.

Hall also refused to disclose details of the conversation in which Tuchel informed him he had missed the World Cup, saying he wanted their discussion to remain private.

“I’m in the squad now, and it’s my job to make sure I stay in the squad,” Hall said. “When I do get an opportunity, I’m hoping that I can take it.”