Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall says he was shocked and heartbroken after being left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for this summer's World Cup.
The 22-year-old earned a recall this week and marked it with the winner in the Magpies' 2-1 Premier League victory over Hull City at St James' Park on Saturday.
Hall penned a new long-term contract until 2031 on Tyneside but heads to international duty with a point to prove after watching the tournament from home.
"I was gutted. I wasn't necessarily expecting it, if I'm being completely honest," Hall told reporters.
The defender spent the summer supporting former Newcastle team-mates Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento who all made Tuchel's squad.
"I was buzzing for them and wanted all of them to do so well," he added.
Hall now targets impressing the German tactician in upcoming Nations League clashes against Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia.
"A little bit [extra motivation]. It's always nice to go there and create a good impression," the star boy said.
Despite Newcastle's solid start of one defeat in five league matches, Eddie Howe's outfit have conceded 96 shots this term.
"We know that's something we need to improve on," Hall admitted.
Newcastle defensive stats 2026/27:
- Shots conceded: 96 (5 matches)
- Shots vs Hull City: 22
- League record: W2 D2 L1
- Hall contract: Until 2031
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Source: The Sun
