Lewis Hall says past relationship with Thomas Tuchel will not guarantee him England World Cup spot | OneFootball

Newcastle defender Lewis Hall believes his previous working relationship with England manager Thomas Tuchel holds no sway as he battles to secure a place in the squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Hall, 21, has received his first call-up to the national team under Tuchel for this month’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. This follows two previous caps earned during Lee Carsley’s temporary tenure earlier in 2024.

His return to the fold marks a reunion with Tuchel, who handed the left-back his senior debut at Chelsea in 2022.

However, the Newcastle player insists he is a vastly different individual and footballer now.

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Hall made his senior debut at Chelsea under Tuchel in 2022 (PA Wire)

"When I knew him back in my Chelsea days, I was obviously not quite in the first team, but I was training quite regularly with them at a certain point," Hall explained. "He was the one who gave me my debut, so I was obviously incredibly grateful for that, and that’ll be a memory that I’ll always have."

He continued: "But I think I’m a completely different person now, completely different player now so I don’t necessarily read too much into the past. I know he’s a great guy, so I’m looking forward to working with him again. He’s obviously a great coach.

“For me personally, I just want to look to do my best here and learn from these players and from this coach. Hopefully that will put me in a good position."

Hall faces stiff competition for the left-back spot in Tuchel’s World Cup squad, vying against talents such as Nico O’Reilly and Tino Livramento for the summer tournament in North America.

The German manager has made it clear that this current camp, featuring Wembley friendlies against Uruguay on Friday and Japan next Tuesday, represents the final opportunity for players to stake their claim for a seat on the plane.

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Tuchel has several options to pick from at left-back (PA Wire)

Acknowledging the pressure, Hall reflected: "There’s two ways you can look at it, it can be quite nerve-racking knowing that this is the last opportunity to maybe impress. But at the same time, I think you play so many games in the season, I think they all know the way that you like to play."

He added: "And I think this is just another chance for you to show not only what you can do on the pitch, but what you’re like off the pitch.

“And I think if you can spread positivity across the group, and I think he’s always been keen on making sure that everyone in the group has their part to play off the pitch.