Former England defender Paul Parker is a big fan of Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall
There is so much football for Newcastle United to negotiate between now and next summer, that you could forgive many at St James’ Park for feeling that the World Cup is still a distant dot on the horizon.
But as those 2026 calendars go up, there are plenty United players who will have dates ringed in June when the international squads are confirmed.
Stars such as Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali will expect to be part of their country’s plans – should Italy qualify – but there are many in black-and-white who know they must earn their place on the plane.
United have a trio of players hoping to join Gordon in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, with Dan Burn, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall all in with a very good chance ot being involved.
Hall and Livramento could well form an exciting full-back partnership for both club and country, although the latter has plenty of competition at right-back.
However former Manchester United and England defender Paul Parker is under no doubt that Hall should be first pick for the Three Lions – ahead of Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly.
Hall has had a difficult 2025 with injury, but has shown in recent weeks that he is back to his best form, and more that worthy of a place not only in the England squad but in the starting XI.
Parker, who starred at the 1990 World Cup under Sir Bobby Robson, told gambling portal British Gambler: “Lewis Hall is a very, very good left back.
“I’ve never seen him outbattled – he’s tenacious and he’s tough. He’s also very talented on the ball because of when he played in midfield during his Chelsea academy days.
“He’s just as comfortable getting forward as he is in defence, and I think he should be the first-choice pick for Thomas Tuchel in this England squad at left back.
“Compared to Miles Lewis-Skelly, I think there’s a bigger likelihood of getting good discipline from Hall in that left back position.
“Lewis-Skelly isn’t playing regularly enough for Tuchel to pick him as his first choice either, which is a bit of a shame.”
Hall’s first focus is to ensure he stays fit to help guide Newcastle back up the Premier League table, while continuing to compete in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
The former Chelsea defender had a minor hamstring issue last week, but returned to the side to star in the 2-2 draw with his former club last weekend.
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