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Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, has advised Anthony Gordon that as long as he continues to impress for his club, his dream of playing for England will naturally fall into place.
The 23-year-old, who was a standout player in the European Championship for the under-21s last year, netted his tenth goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Wolves in the Premier League. This further demonstrates the improvement he has made since joining for £45million from Everton in January 2023.
Gordon’s hard work has led to discussions about him potentially being included in Gareth Southgate’s team for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. This could also potentially lead to him being considered for the Euro 2024 finals.
When inquired about the player’s readiness for the senior team, the club manager Howe stated that he is unsure of the exact proximity. He believes that it is up to Gareth to discuss this matter. However, the player’s performance throughout this season has been steady, which is likely what Gareth will be considering – consistent performances at a certain level.
“He is seeking goals and assists from his wingers, and he has successfully provided them. I believe he is in a positive state of mind.”
My advice to him would be to not dwell on England, but instead, focus on his performance with his club. If he continues to do well with us, everything else will fall into place.
“Throughout the entire process, Anthony has remained focused and driven. He prioritizes short-term goals and is determined to give his all in every game. I greatly admire this quality in him and am confident in the trajectory of his career.”
His tenure at Everton undoubtedly bolstered his skills.
After a rough end to his time at Goodison Park, Gordon came to Tyneside where fans accused him of purposely leaving the club he had been a part of since he was a schoolboy. However, his first few months in the North East were challenging.
Nevertheless, Howe firmly believes that he has gained valuable insight from those past encounters and from his role as a dad. This has contributed to his overall growth and development both on and off the field.
The head coach said: “For someone so young, he has had so many really good experiences – and that is not always positive experiences. His experience at Everton will definitely have strengthened him.
“It was a challenging time for him, especially considering the struggles of last year. Leaving Liverpool at such a young age is a major decision. Also, becoming a father has a significant impact on a young man’s life and mindset.”
“He has many positive aspects in his life that help him stay grounded and motivated to succeed. Hopefully, he can maintain his current level of performance.”
Gordon aims to keep up his performance at Chelsea on Monday night, but Lewis Hall will not be able to play due to his loan agreement, even though he is nearing the qualifications for his permanent £28m transfer to Newcastle, as revealed by Howe.
Full-back Kieran Trippier will miss out with a calf injury suffered against Wolves which is likely to sideline him for two games and rule him out of England duty.
Source: independent.co.uk
