Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley both stepped onto the pitch for England’s Under-21 side on Friday night, and each of them delivered performances that showed why Newcastle United place so much trust in their young talents.
England’s 3–0 victory over the Republic of Ireland kept their perfect start to Euro 2027 qualifying intact, and the two Newcastle players played their part in a confident, controlled display at St Andrew’s in Birmingham.
For Hall, this appearance was more than just another youth-level outing. The 21-year-old already has senior England experience, but injuries in recent months have limited his minutes, and the U21 call-up was designed to help him rebuild sharpness.
Even so, it was clear from the opening minutes that he is operating at a level beyond most players in this age group. His pace, decision-making, and comfort on the ball made him stand out immediately, and he looked exactly like a player who had already established himself as a Premier League regular.
The left-back’s most decisive moment came when he burst forward and won the penalty that led to England’s opening goal, a reminder of the natural attacking threat he brings.
Throughout his 70 minutes, he was constantly involved, showing control in tight areas and reading danger well. His numbers show just how influential he was, completing 95% of his passes and making eight recoveries while also clearing his lines three times. Hall didn’t just participate he dictated.
Miley, meanwhile, had a quieter but still effective performance. At 19, he is progressing steadily through the England youth setup, and this match offered more proof of his maturity.
His calm passing helped England maintain control in midfield, and his accuracy 95% overall and 93% in the opposition half demonstrated how tidy and composed he remains under pressure. He contributed defensively with a tackle, an interception, and a recovery, showing his ability to influence the game at both ends.
Here is a simple comparison of their match statistics:
Lewis Hall – England U21 vs Republic U21
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 70 |
| Touches | 61 |
| Penalties Won | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 37/39 (95%) |
| Accurate Long Balls | 3/4 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Recoveries | 8 |
Lewis Miley – England U21 vs Republic U21
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 75 |
| Touches | 73 |
| Accurate Passes | 58/61 (95%) |
| Passes in Opposition Half | 37/40 (93%) |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Recoveries | 1 |
Inside the England camp, Hall is already highly regarded. Lee Carsley handed him his senior debut, and Thomas Tuchel trusted him at Chelsea before that. Journalists covering the match echoed that belief, with several noting that he looked far too advanced for U21 football.
Nathan Salt of The Daily Mail wrote that Hall will be with the senior squad by March, while Hamzah Khalique-Loonat of The Times described him as “outstanding” and praised his sharp passing, crosses, and dominance down the left flank.
England’s left-back position heading into next summer’s World Cup remains one of the few unsettled roles in Gareth Southgate’s side. With consistent fitness and rhythm, Hall could be a genuine contender to fill that gap.
His intelligence, versatility, and natural quality make him stand out every time he plays, and performances like this one will only strengthen his case.
Miley’s rise continues at a steady, impressive pace. While his display did not draw the same headlines, his reliability and composure at such a young age are exactly what England coaches value.
He is building experience the right way through consistency, discipline, and the ability to execute his role flawlessly.
Both players left the pitch having boosted their international reputations, and Newcastle will be delighted to see two of their brightest talents continuing to grow on the international stage.
