TIM SHERWOOD TELLS LEWIS HALL TO ‘KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT’ AFTER ENGLAND COMMENTS
TIM SHERWOOD HAS URGED NEWCASTLE UNITED DEFENDER LEWIS HALL TO “KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT” AFTER TAKING ISSUE WITH THE YOUNGSTER’S COMMENTS ABOUT THE PRESSURE OF REPRESENTING ENGLAND.
Hall, 22, described the England shirt as “heavy” while speaking to the media before Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League clash against Czechia.
The Newcastle left-back explained that playing for England comes with significant responsibility because every player is expected to perform at their highest level whenever they step onto the pitch.
“It’s a heavy shirt,” Hall said. “You’re representing England, so whenever you step on the pitch, you’ve got to be at your best because there’s a lot at stake.
“Everyone in the squad, as well as those who aren’t involved, understands how much it means to represent our country. There’s always healthy competition, and that pushes everyone to perform at their best.”
However, Sherwood felt Hall should have adopted a more confident attitude when discussing the expectations that come with playing for England.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa manager argued that established England stars such as Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane would embrace the pressure rather than describe the national team shirt as weighing heavily on them.
“If you asked Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane, they wouldn’t say the shirt is heavy,” Sherwood said. “They’d say, ‘Bring it on, let’s get to the next game and I’ll show you how good I am.’ That’s what I want to see from him.
“I like him and I think he has a huge future ahead of him, but he has to understand that the manager is watching everything he does, whether that is around the training camp, in front of the media or, most importantly, on the pitch.
“When he’s on the pitch, that’s where he needs to concentrate. He should perform the way he does for Newcastle and express himself.
“He’s excellent going forward and defensively sound as well. He has a real opportunity to establish himself in that position.
“Even if the shirt does feel heavy, don’t tell everyone that you’re under huge pressure. Just get on with it.”
Hall responds in the best possible way
Hall appeared to take Sherwood’s advice in the most effective manner possible — by allowing his performances to do the talking.
The Newcastle defender impressed as England secured a 2-0 victory over Czechia, producing a strong display at left-back after the scrutiny surrounding his pre-match comments.
England are now preparing to face Croatia on Saturday before welcoming Czechia again on Tuesday.
With Nico O’Reilly potentially unavailable through injury, Hall could be handed another opportunity at left-back as he attempts to build on his impressive club form and establish himself further at international level.