In recent years, the Three Lions were renowned for their full-backs, particularly those on the right flank. However, injuries, inconsistent form, and retirements have significantly reduced England’s depth in these positions. That was until Newcastle’s shrewd recruitment last summer. Under their Saudi-backed ownership, the club identified the issue and secured promising young talents, despite initial skepticism.
Replacing Key Absences
Trippier, Walker, James, Arnold, Chilwell, and Shaw—so many top-class names for just two spots, a luxury most national teams could only dream of. But over the past year, the situation has drastically changed. Kieran Trippier, who lost his starting spot to Livramento, has retired from international duty after the Euros. Kyle Walker has already expressed his desire to leave Manchester City, with his prime years seemingly behind him. Meanwhile, Reece James, Luke Shaw, and Ben Chilwell have been plagued by injuries, struggling to stay fit. The latter, unwanted at Chelsea, hasn’t played a single minute this season. Finally, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has always been more offensive-minded than defensive, no longer hides his preference for a midfield role, making his deployment at right-back increasingly unlikely. His transition into a hybrid midfield role, initiated by Jürgen Klopp, now appears permanent.
As a result, in recent England matches, centre-backs like Levi Colwill and Ezri Konsa have been forced to play as makeshift full-backs. Now, with England entering a new era under Thomas Tuchel, a fresh pair of full-backs has emerged on Tyneside. Aged just 20 and 22, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall could shape the future of English football for the next decade. Their youth, combined with their adaptability to modern tactical systems, makes them ideal candidates to spearhead the next generation of the Three Lions.
Two High-Potential Options
When Newcastle signed them in the summer of 2023, both players had little top-flight experience and faced stiff competition. On the right, Kieran Trippier was the undisputed starter, while on the left, Paul Dummett and Dan Burn were the preferred options. These seasoned defenders provided stability but lacked the attacking dynamism Eddie Howe desired for a more vertical and high-paced playing style.
At first, when Hall and Livramento were given chances in the starting lineup, they struggled to convince Howe, even though the manager had specifically pushed for Hall’s signing. Originally a midfielder in Chelsea’s academy, Hall had to adapt quickly to a more defensive role—something he found particularly challenging. “I wasn’t at the level in training,” Hall admitted to NUFCTV last May. “Eddie Howe’s sessions are incredibly tough, way harder than I expected. Technically and tactically, you have to be perfect.” However, his hard work paid off, as he became a regular starter in the second half of the season, helping Newcastle secure a Champions League spot. This season, his progress has continued, playing 1,680 out of a possible 1,890 minutes and providing three assists with his attacking contributions.
On the other hand, Tino Livramento—who spent 12 years in Chelsea’s academy before making his professional debut with Southampton—suffered a severe knee injury in 2022, sidelining him for an entire year. However, his comeback with the Saints was swift and impressive, earning him a move to Newcastle just three months after his return. Unlike Hall, Livramento needed less time to establish himself and is now Newcastle’s first-choice right-back. Less inclined to push forward, he primarily focuses on defensive duties—a role he has mastered, helping the Magpies maintain the fourth-best defensive record in the league without receiving a single booking all season.
As early as August 2024, Livramento received a call-up from Gareth Southgate. While he was included in several squads, he had to wait until November to make his debut under interim manager Lee Carsley—coincidentally, the same camp in which Lewis Hall also earned his first cap. Given that Hall made his professional debut at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel and Livramento was also at the club during the German manager’s first six months, it seems clear that Tuchel has immense trust in them. They now appear poised to become the undisputed starters in England’s next-generation defense.
About the Author
