Former Manchester City and England right-back Micah Richards has weighed in on England’s left-back debate, backing Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall ahead of Manchester United defender Luke Shaw.
Shaw had long been a trusted figure for England under Gareth Southgate, cementing his place as first-choice left-back and even starting the Euro 2024 final, where the Three Lions fell 2-1 to Spain in Berlin.
However, the 30-year-old has not featured for England since Southgate’s final game in charge in 2024.
An injury-hit spell at Manchester United saw Shaw drop out of the national team picture, but the experienced defender has enjoyed a strong resurgence this season. Under Ruben Amorim and interim boss Michael Carrick, Shaw has started all 26 of United’s Premier League matches in the 2025–26 campaign, reigniting talk of a potential England recall under Thomas Tuchel.
Despite Shaw’s revival, Richards believes Hall has done enough to claim the role outright.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the former Manchester City defender did not hesitate in his verdict.
“While we’re just on Newcastle, Lewis Hall has to start at left-back for England,” Richards said.
“I think he will [start]. He’s absolutely amazing. To go from midfield to left-back, his spatial awareness, his timing of his challenges, he’s good on the ball, he’s got a good delivery, he’s got everything.
“His performances over the last two months have been outstanding. He’s by far the best in terms [of left-back options]. Luke Shaw’s done well since United have been doing well.”
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the battle for England’s left-back spot appears far from settled.
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly are also options for Thomas Tuchel away from Shaw and Lewis Hall.
