Lewis Hall playing catch-up in race to stake England claim against Czech Republic

Hall was a spectator against the World Cup champions on Saturday in an entertaining affair - a game where Nico O'Reilly impressed with his industry at left-back.

The Newcastle man was watching on throughout the contest, but with a short turnaround for England's second of four Nations League games in this elongated international break, Hall could be one of the changes Thomas Tuchel makes for the clash in Prague.

The 22-year-old was one of the unlucky few to be cut from the World Cup squad in the summer, but returns for the first time since March, aiming to break into the first team.

Speaking ahead of the clash in the Czech capital, Hall remarked: "I think whenever you've been in good form throughout a season, which I felt like I was last year, I think anyone who is in a similar situation to me who wasn't selected, there is going to be a sense of disappointment.

"But I am looking to use that and bounce back, and hopefully I can make a good account of myself here."

Having been part of England squads under Tuchel before, Hall has seen first-hand what goes into the squad, but having missed the World Cup, he now feels that he has had to accelerate to be part of the group once more.

When asked about the level of preparation that goes into each match, he added: "I experienced it in the March camps; it's not massively different from what I experienced there.

"But when there's a group of players who have been together for seven weeks, I am always going to be playing catch-up with the messages that the manager is trying to get across. If I can keep taking in that information, it's only going to help me when I do get that opportunity."

Those chances to prove himself at international level have been restricted so far for the left-back. Under Tuchel, he has played just twice, but with O'Reilly missing training on Monday due to a 'minor issue', he is ready to grasp the shirt when it comes his way.

Hall explained: "Whenever there are injuries or different things that can happen, there are always opportunities for other players. There's been a lot of good left-backs over the last couple of years who have played in that role, but when I do get my opportunity, I am going to try and take it."

Follow England's encounter against the Czech Republic with Flashscore.

Josh Donaldson is a Global Senior Editor and International Football Specialist for Flashscore. From the UK, now living in Prague, Josh specialises in football and cycling and can be found at an obscure ground watching games or on his bike. You can follow Josh on X and read his articles here.