Micah Richards has given his verdict on whether Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall should start for England at the 2026 World Cup.
The 21-year-old is one of multiple Newcastle United players who could be in the Three Lions’ squad, as Thomas Tuchel attempts to bring football home.
Left-back is a problem position for the England manager, but Lewis Hall will feel he can be the solution. However, he faces competition from Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly.
But who should get the nod for England at the 2026 World Cup? Micah Richards believes he has the answer.
Micah Richards picks Myles Lewis-Skelly over Lewis Hall for England
The former Manchester City and England defender has been speaking about Tuchel’s options at left-back on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast alongside Gary Lineker.
While Richards is full of praise for Lewis Hall, he believes it is Lewis-Skelly who should start at left-back for England.
“I would go Myles Lewis-Skelly,” Richards said.
Lineker replied: “He’s a special talent. Who else is there? Lewis Hall.”
Richards added: “Yeah, Lewis Hall is very good and he’s consistent. You know what you’re going to get.
“I just feel Myles Lewis-Skelly has got the X factor. When he plays in the Champions League.
“The only thing that will stop him now, is he going to play enough football between now and the end of the season?”
- Who is Lewis Hall? Newcastle United’s star left-back who is destined for England greatness
Lewis Hall can stake World Cup claim as Newcastle United opportunity opens up
In terms of international experience, Lewis-Skelly has the edge over Hall. The Arsenal defender has six England caps compared to Hall’s two.
Both youngsters are very similar. They started their careers as midfielders, before being converted into left-backs. That has done both players the world of good, and it has put them in contention to start for England at the 2026 World Cup.
But while Richards believes it is Lewis-Skelly who should get the nod, Hall has a chance to prove him wrong.
With Dan Burn suspended and starting to struggle at left-back, there is a chance for Hall to reclaim his place in the Newcastle United starting XI. He is over his injury problem now, with Hall featuring for England Under-21s during the international break.
A string of strong and consistent performances for Newcastle could push Hall further up Tuchel’s England pecking order, at a time when Lewis-Skelly is not getting the same opportunities at Arsenal.
The 19-year-old does not feature in Arsenal’s strongest XI, and a lack of minutes could allow Hall to overtake him.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
