Newcastle United enjoyed another proud moment during the latest international break as Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley both played their part in England’s Under-21s 4-0 win over Slovakia in a European Championship qualifier.
The two young talents continued their development on the international stage and helped the Young Lions maintain their perfect run in the group. It was a performance that highlighted not only England’s impressive depth at youth level but also the bright future Newcastle have in their hands with these players.
England went into the game full of confidence after winning all four of their opening matches, and the clash in Slovakia proved to be another step forward. Divin Mubama and Ethan Nwaneri had already given England a 2-0 lead before the introduction of Newcastle’s youngsters.
Lewis Hall came off the bench in the 61st minute and Lewis Miley followed seven minutes later. Both players slotted effortlessly into the rhythm of the game and helped England control the final stages before securing a convincing 4-0 victory away from home. With five wins from five at the halfway point of the group, England now sit at the top with two points more than Slovakia, who have also played one game more.
For Newcastle supporters, this match was about more than just the scoreline. It was encouraging to see the club’s young players getting minutes without being overused during a demanding international window.
Lee Carsley’s handling of the squad seemed perfect from a Newcastle perspective. Hall and Miley have now received valuable playing time across both matches without being pushed beyond their limits, which is key as they prepare to return to Premier League action this weekend.
Lewis Hall has drawn particular attention in recent weeks as he continues to work back toward full sharpness. His fitness concerns appear to be fading, and the timing could not be more ideal for Eddie Howe.
With Dan Burn suspended, Hall looks set to be handed a start at left-back against Manchester City a massive opportunity for the young defender. His international minutes have given him a strong platform, and Newcastle fans will be hoping he can carry his confidence back into club football.
The international break was a busy period for many Newcastle players, and the schedule offered a variety of storylines across different national teams. Sandro Tonali played a full match for Italy in their 2-0 win over Moldova, where he was one of the standout performers despite Italy taking late to secure the win.
England defeated Serbia 2-0 with Bukayo Saka scoring a brilliant opener while Dan Burn watched from the sidelines. Germany beat Luxembourg 2-0, with Nick Woltemade scoring twice and Malick Thiaw making a late appearance.
In another Under-21 match, Hall and Miley both started in England’s 2-0 win over Ireland. Hall was the standout player, winning the penalty that Mubama fired home before being substituted on 70 minutes, with Miley following shortly after.
There were also fixtures outside Europe. Bruno Guimarães delivered a remarkable performance for Brazil in a 2-0 victory over Senegal in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium. He controlled the match in both directions, earning high praise and one of the top ratings of the game.
Anthony Elanga featured for Sweden in a difficult match where the team struggled once again, while Emil Krafth remained on the bench. Sweden’s campaign has been disappointing, but results elsewhere have kept their play-off chances alive.
Dan Burn returned to action for England against Albania, starting for the fourth time in his fifth appearance. The game had its challenges after seven changes were made to the lineup, but England showed quality late on thanks to two goals from Harry Kane.
Italy, meanwhile, suffered a heavy defeat against Norway, although Tonali was wisely rested to avoid suspension. Germany then confirmed their place at the 2026 World Cup after a 6-0 win over Slovakia, with Woltemade adding another powerful header to his tally.
The final England U21 match of the break saw Hall and Miley introduced in the second half as the Young Lions once again cruised to a 4-0 victory, completing a perfect international window.
Below is a simple table summarizing the involvement of Newcastle United players during the November 2025 international break:
| Player | Nation | Match Involvement | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis Hall | England U21 | Came off bench vs Slovakia; started vs Ireland | 4-0 win / 2-0 win |
| Lewis Miley | England U21 | Came off bench vs Slovakia; started vs Ireland | 4-0 win / 2-0 win |
| Sandro Tonali | Italy | Played full match vs Moldova; rested vs Norway | 2-0 win / 1-4 loss |
| Dan Burn | England | Started vs Albania; unused vs Serbia | 2-0 win / 2-0 win |
| Bruno Guimarães | Brazil | Started and dominated vs Senegal | 2-0 win |
| Anthony Elanga | Sweden | Started vs Switzerland; withdrew before Slovenia game | 3-1 loss |
| Emil Krafth | Sweden | Unused substitute | — |
| Malick Thiaw | Germany | Late sub vs Luxembourg; came on vs Slovakia | 2-0 win / 6-0 win |
| Nick Woltemade | Germany | Scored twice vs Luxembourg; scored vs Slovakia | 2-0 win / 6-0 win |
The break provided valuable experience, confidence and match rhythm for many Newcastle players. For Hall and Miley especially, it felt like a glimpse into what their futures may look like—important roles for both club and country. With Premier League action now returning, Eddie Howe will be delighted to welcome his players back healthy, motivated and ready for another big test.
