Abdulhafiz TeslimThere has been plenty for Newcastle United supporters to feel positive about heading into the new campaign, with one important decision finally bringing an end to weeks of speculation surrounding one of the club’s key young players.
The summer had brought uncertainty over the defender’s future, with interest from elsewhere creating questions about whether Newcastle would be able to keep hold of one of their standout performers from last season.
But those concerns were finally put to bed on Friday.
The 22-year-old committed his future to Newcastle by signing a new five-year contract, a major boost for Matthias Jaissle as he continues to build his team at St James’ Park.
The new agreement also brings an end to the speculation linking the player with Manchester United. Newcastle have made it clear that they consider him an important part of their plans going forward.
And after putting pen to paper on the new deal, the defender has now opened up on another disappointment that has stayed with him over recent months.
Despite enjoying an excellent 2025-26 campaign and arguably being one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers, he was left out of England’s squad for the World Cup earlier this year.
Thomas Tuchel instead selected Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence and Newcastle teammate Tino Livramento.
The decision was understandably difficult to take.
Speaking to Newcastle’s official media channel, Hall admitted that he needed time to process the disappointment after discovering he would not be travelling with England.
“Do you know what? It was actually really good in the end. Obviously, it wasn’t what I wanted to be,” he explained.
“I went through a couple of weeks after finding out that I wasn’t going to be at the World Cup… just processing it. I was obviously gutted and I found out that I wasn’t going to be going.”
However, rather than allowing the setback to affect him, Hall has decided to turn the disappointment into motivation.
“These things happen and I’m trying to use it now as extra motivation to get myself back in the squad for the next international break,” he added.
“I’ve just got to look forward to the Euros now in two years and do everything I can to be selected for that.”
Hall also reflected on the moment he finally achieved his dream of representing England, recalling his debut against Greece in October 2024.
For the Newcastle defender, earning that first cap was about far more than simply another appearance on his footballing CV.
“When you’re a kid, you always watch the Premier League and everything. Especially when there’s a European competition or the Euros and the World Cup, you always think about how amazing it would be to play for England,” Hall said.
He revealed that making his debut was so emotional that he returned to the hotel struggling to contain his feelings.
“That was the first time I think I’ve ever in football got back to the hotel and was a bit emotional,” he admitted.
Now, with his Newcastle future secured for the next five years, Hall has a fresh target.
The disappointment of missing the World Cup has not disappeared, but it appears to have given him another reason to push himself even further under Jaissle.
And with his club future finally settled, the Newcastle star will now be hoping his performances make it increasingly difficult for England to overlook him again.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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