Lewis Hall has a point to prove for England tonight with O’Reilly ruled out

Lewis Hall says missing out on the World Cup is driving his determination to establish himself for England, with an opportunity opening up against Czechia tonight.

Speaking in Prague on Monday, the Newcastle left-back explained how he is using the disappointment of his summer omission. Now, with Sky Sports reporting that Nico O’Reilly has been ruled out through injury, he looks the obvious replacement.

Hall ready to take his chance

Asked whether his World Cup rejection was providing motivation, Hall told reporters:

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

“So, I'm using that frustration and I think anyone who was not in the squad is going to be disappointed. I think everyone will be doing the same to try and get themselves back on the squad.”

On the competition for an England place, he added:

“Whenever you're in the squad, ultimately you've got the shirt, you've got to do what you can to keep it. When you're not in the squad, you've got to do what you can to try and take it off other people.

“I think that's what everyone describes as healthy competition, and that's important to pushing the team forward and the nation forward. I think that gets the best out of players. I think I'm in the squad now, and it's my job to make sure I stay in the squad.”

Tonight could give him that chance after he remained on the bench against Spain on Saturday, with Tuchel explaining afterwards that an injury scare had influenced his decision.

“I think that's what football is about. It's all about your chances. I think in order to get where you want to be, you're going to get chances to impress, and as long as you take these chances, I think you can create whatever you want to create, really. So, yeah, I'm in the squad now, which I'm really grateful for. When I do get an opportunity, I'm hoping that I can take it.”

There could also be a meeting with Newcastle teammate Lukáš Horníček in the Czech goal. Kick-off in Prague is at 7.45pm BST.

We know how good Hall is

We watch him every week. We know how good he is, which makes it mindblowing that he isn’t already one of the first names on England’s team sheet.

Hopefully tonight gives him a proper opportunity to show it and make himself harder for Tuchel to leave out. He’s responded well to the summer disappointment and deserves the chance to establish himself.

It will be nice to see him get some minutes under his belt and, most importantly, come through injury free. We want to see our lads succeed for their countries, even if we’ve already got half an eye on Coventry away and the return of proper football.